Counter Terror Business - Defence

£50 million for defence businesses in Plymouth and the South West

Angela Pisanu — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 08:53:41 +0000

The government has announced it is investing £50 million in defence businesses in Plymouth and the South West, helping them to innovate, create skilled jobs in the region and boost UK national security.

The £50 million deal will expand on the National Centre for Marine Autonomy, making it easier for industry to develop surface and subsurface maritime drones by cutting red tape and providing access to waterfront innovation labs and state-of-the-art testing facilities.

The deal will also establish the Plymouth Marine Autonomy Trials Authority to support start-up and marine autonomy businesses in testing and deploying maritime drones, bringing technology to the market quicker and growing their companies.

Additionally, the deal will also support Plymouth City College’s skills hub, providing technical training facilities and teaching capacity at colleges and universities to have 60 new defence-related courses such as advanced manufacturing, engineering and technology.

Defence Minister Lord Vernon Coaker said: "Plymouth is already vital for the UK’s defence, with the largest naval base in Western Europe at HMNB Devonport providing the backbone of the UK’s submarine fleet. Defence investment in Plymouth isn’t just good for the city, it directly strengthens the UK’s ability to keep our seas safe and our country secure."

Shipbuilding, steel, AI and energy infrastructure prioritised for national security

Polly Jones — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 11:22:57 +0000

Shipbuilding, steel, AI and energy infrastructure are set to be recognised as critical for national security.

New guidance will prioritise contracts for British business where necessary to protect national security.

The announcement comes with the government saying that recent events have shown the fragility of global supply chains and the importance of securing domestic capacity in key sectors which are vital for national security.

This is the first time the government is introducing clear guidance on how departments can protect the UK's economic security and build resilience across the four sectors.

Cabinet Office Minister, Chris Ward said: "This Government is backing British businesses and the working people who power them. These reforms are about using the full weight of Government spending to support British jobs, protect our national security and grow our economy.

"Whether you make steel in Scunthorpe, build ships on the Clyde or run a small tech firm in the Midlands, this Government is on your side."

Quantum computers to be rolled to boost security

Polly Jones — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 12:48:04 +0000

The government has announced a new package of measures aimed at becoming the first country in the world to roll out Quantum computers at scale.

The UK plans to use Quantum technology to help deliver personalised treatments, potential cures for diseases, safeguard security and deliver high-paid jobs.

The government has announced £2 billion of government investment to ensure the UK stays at the forefront of Quantum innovation.

A new procurement programme: "ProQure:Scaling UK Quantum Computing” will launch next week and companies will be invited to table proposals to partner with us to deliver state of the art prototypes for evaluation. The most promising companies will be invited to deliver larger scale machines for use by scientists, researchers, the public sector, and businesses.

Estimates show Quantum could boost productivity by 7 per cent in the next 2 decades, creating more than 100,000 jobs in the process.

Over £1 billion over the next four years will invested to put Quantum into action by investing at scale in technology development, skills and facilities.

The UK’s 5 National Quantum Research Hubs delivered by UK Research and Innovation are to receive an extra £13.8 million with researchers working in healthcare, clean energy, and national security projects among the first to get access Quantum tech.

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said: "I am determined this country grasps the benefits will Quantum computing will bring. It is only by keeping pace with technological progress that we can deliver the high-paid jobs, cutting-edge public services, and innovations which change lives.

"Today’s announcements are an investment in our future - �鶹��ing better health, wealth, and more opportunities for communities across the country.

"This government is ushering in a Quantum leap - making the choice today to back UK scientists, companies, and innovators so we can deliver a future that works for all."

Professor Charlotte Deane, UKRI Senior Responsible Owner for Quantum, said: "Quantum technology holds transformative potential across everything from healthcare and renewable energy to national security and defence.

"Today’s announcement signals a shift in pace towards turning research into commercial deployment that delivers meaningful benefits for people across the country.

"It reflects years of sustained government and UKRI investment in the UK’s quantum research base and the nurturing of exceptional talent, skills and partnerships that have made this moment possible."

UK and Ukraine to agree defence partnership

Polly Jones — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 12:24:45 +0000

The UK and Ukraine are set to agree a new partnership to deliver global defensive capability against the the proliferation of low cost, high tech military hardware, including drones.

The prime minister is set to meet with President Zelenskyy in the UK today, where the pair are expected to agree an enhanced security and defence industrial declaration, capitalising on Ukraine’s expertise and the UK’s industrial base to manufacture and supply drones and innovative capabilities.

The two countries will look at opportunities for increased defence industrial and technological cooperation with third countries, boosting international security and ensuring the latest defence technology is in the hands of those who need it most.

The UK is also set to fund a new AI Centre of Excellence that will sit within the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence. Experts will ensure AI is being utilised to its fullest to deliver a battlefield advantage.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: "We must work in lockstep with our partners and allies to deliver security at home and abroad, and this new partnership with Ukraine will do just that.

"Drones, electronic warfare and rapid battlefield innovation are now central to national and economic security, and that has only been further magnified by the conflict in the Middle East.

"By deepening our defence partnerships, we are strengthening Ukraine’s ability to defend itself from Russia’s brutal, ongoing attacks, while ensuring the UK and our allies are better prepared to meet the threats of the future."

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: "Ukraine’s military expertise is defending against Putin’s brutal attacks and boosting European security, and I am proud of how the UK is stepping up support to Ukraine to achieve peace on their terms.

"The axis of aggression between Russia and Iran makes it increasingly important that we build on Ukrainian expertise and innovation, supported by British industry, and ensure that Ukrainian fighters see benefits from that as they continue to push back Putin’s illegal invasion.

"I pay tribute to the huge courage and ingenuity of the Ukrainian people – military and civilians alike – and I am determined to make 2026 the year this war ends."

UK to send warships and helicopters to Eastern Mediterranean

Polly Jones — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 11:42:09 +0000

The UK will send HMS Dragon and three drone-busting Wildcat helicopters to the Eastern Mediterranean to boost British defences.

HMS Drago, a Type 45 destroyer will strengthen the UK's ability to detect, track and destroy aerial threats, including drones. It is fitted with the Sea Viper missile system, which can launch eight missiles in under ten seconds and guide up to 16 missiles simultaneously.

A Type 45 destroyer successfully intercepted a Houthi missile in 2024.

British armed forces has successfully shot down multiple drones across the region over the last week including RAF F-35B jets shooting down drones over Jordan and a British counter-drone unit neutralising drones in Iraqi airspace.

Two Royal Navy Wildcat helicopters armed with Martlet drone-busting missiles are heading to the region. They will hunt and shoot down aerial threats.

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: "We are moving quickly to further reinforce our defensive presence in the Eastern Mediterranean.

"HMS Dragon brings world-class air defence capability, and our Wildcat helicopters are armed with Martlet missiles to counter the growing drone threat.

"I am deeply proud of the professionalism and bravery of our Armed Forces personnel who have in recent days, successfully taken action across the region to protect our allies and defend British interests."

UK to work with European allies to develop air defence weapons

Polly Jones — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 10:15:59 +0000

The UK will work with European allies to develop new air defence weapons to protect European skies.

The European Group of Five meeting was hosted in Krakow on Friday 20 February, with France, Germany, Italy and Poland attending.

The group have launched the ‘Low-Cost Effectors & Autonomous Platforms’ initiative, known as LEAP.

The initiative will see the development of advanced low-cost air defence systems, such as autonomous drones or missiles. The first project is expected to be delivered by 2027.

The first focus will be on a new surface-to-air weapon – a lightweight, affordable weapon designed to counter the drone and missile threat.

Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard MP said: "European security is at a pivotal moment. The UK and our E5 partners are stepping up – investing together in the next generation of air defence and autonomous systems to strengthen NATO’s shield and keep our people safe.

"From innovation in our defence industries to our ironclad commitment to Ukraine, we’re showing that European nations are ready to deter, defend and if necessary, fight, together. “I’m proud of UK leadership on European security – building partnerships, developing capability and standing with Ukraine to protect our shared security."

UK to boost defence of Arctic and High North

Polly Jones — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 12:17:03 +0000

The defence secretary has announced a boost to Arctic and High North security to counter rising Russian threats.

During a visit to meet Royal Marine Commandos at Camp Viking in the Arctic Circle in northern Norway, John Healy confirmed that the number of British troops deployed to Norway will double over three years from 1,000 to 2,000 personnel.

The UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) has confirmed major military activity in the High North this year. In September, Exercise Lion Protector will see air, land, and naval forces from JEF nations train to protect critical national infrastructure from attacks and sabotage and enhance their joint command and control capabilities. Hundreds of personnel are set to deploy across Iceland, the Danish Straits and Norway, as JEF steps up to enhance deterrence and defence in the Arctic, High North, and North Atlantic.

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: "Demands on defence are rising, and Russia poses the greatest threat to Arctic and High North security that we have seen since the Cold War. We see Putin rapidly re-establishing military presence in the region, including reopening old Cold War bases.

"The UK is stepping up to protect the Arctic and High North – doubling the number of troops we have in Norway and scaling up joint exercises with NATO allies.

"Cold Response and Lion Protector will this year see thousands of troops deploy across the Arctic and North Atlantic – with the UK leading the way. We train together, we deter together, and if necessary, we will fight together."

Government pledges to cut red tape for defence innovation

Polly Jones — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 10:13:03 +0000

The Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO) has unveiled robotics and defence as the next priority areas where it will aim to remove red tape.

The RIO was launched in October 2024 and is working to �鶹�� the potential of sectors worth over £100 billion across its initial priority sectors. It has already worked with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to simplify the approval process for drone flights, helping companies like Apian cut their medical delivery time from 30 minutes by van to 2 minutes by drone.

Currently, businesses developing robotic technologies must navigate different regulatory frameworks across multiple bodies. A company building autonomous inspection drones, for example, may need separate approvals for aviation, data protection, and sector-specific safety rules. This can take months.

The RIO is now working to streamline overlapping requirements to bring products to market safely.

Evidence suggests that wider adoption of robotics across seven sectors could add £150 billion to the UK economy.

The government has also announced the launch of a 52 million competition for around 5 new Robotics Adoption Hubs across the country. These could be run by universities, businesses, or public sector organisations.

The hubs will give companies access to expert advice, live demonstrations, and networking opportunities to help them take the first steps towards adopting robotics, and in turn help grow our economy and improve lives.

Each Hub will receive at least £2 million per year over four years. They are expected to be operation by the end of 2026.

Minister for Digital Economy, Liz Lloyd said: "British innovators shouldn’t be held back by needless red tape. We have world-leading robotics and defence tech firms, but regulations haven’t kept pace with their innovations.

"We’re updating the rules so they work for modern technologies, cutting the barriers that stop these firms from growing and competing globally."

Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard MP said: "When we said we would make it easier for defence firms to innovate we meant it.

"By cutting red tape, we’re delivering on the Strategic Defence Review’s ambition to fast-track the military equipment our forces need.

"We want the UK to be one of the best places in the world to start and grow a defence business – making defence an engine for growth in every region and nation of the UK."

£140 million for drone and counter-drone tech

Polly Jones — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 09:12:04 +0000

UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) is to invest over £140 million in drone and counter-drone technology in its first year of operation.

The funding includes £30 million investment this year into counter-drone technology to protect the UK homeland and allies, in the face of increasing Russian-linked drone incursions across Europe.

UKDI was launched in July to be the focal point for innovation within the Ministry of Defence. It is backed by at least £400 million.

Many of the companies involved remain anonymous, but there are 20 British SMEs, 11 British ‘Micro-SMEs’, and 2 British Academic institutions.

John Healey MP, Secretary of State for Defence, said: "After years of hollowing out and underfunding, I am determined to put Britain’s Armed Forces, and British businesses, at the leading edge of defence innovation.

"The Strategic Defence Review was clear that we must learn the lessons of the war in Ukraine, which is why we’re surging investment into drone and counter drone systems. Russia’s continued bombardment of Ukrainian civilians and their grey-zone drone incursions across Europe show why this drone drive is so urgent.

"In a new era of threat, this rapid investment will make the UK secure at home and strong abroad, while making defence an engine for growth, ensuring the UK is the best place in the world to start and grow a defence business."

New undersea technology to counter threat from Russia

Polly Jones — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 11:53:41 +0000

The UK has unveiled new undersea warfare technology designed to counter the threat from Russia.

The Atlantic Bastion programme is designed to make Britain more secure secure from Russian undersea threats in the North Atlantic through a transformation of the Royal Navy and its submarine-hunting capabilities.

Atlantic Bastion will combine autonomous vessels and AI with warships and aircraft to create a highly advanced hybrid force to protect undersea cables and pipelines.

The announcement follows a resurgence in Russian submarine and underwater activity, including the activities of Russian spy ship Yantar around UK waters.

UK Defence Intelligence believes that Putin is currently modernising his fleet to target critical undersea cables and pipelines.

A combined MOD/industry seedcorn investment of £14 million has already been committed this year to testing and development and 26 firms from the UK and Europe have submitted proposals to develop anti-submarine sensor technology.

Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said: "People should be in no doubt of the new threats facing the UK and our allies under the sea, where adversaries are targeting infrastructure that is so critical to our way of life.

"This new era of threat demands a new era for defence, and we must rapidly innovate at a wartime pace to maintain the battlefield edge as we deliver on the Strategic Defence Review.

"Our pioneering Atlantic Bastion programme is a blueprint for the future of the Royal Navy. It combines the latest autonomous and AI technologies with world-class warships and aircraft to create a highly advanced hybrid fighting force to detect, deter and defeat those who threaten us."