The Government’s Defence Investment Plan sets out funding intended to support the armed forces, strengthen British industry and reinforce NATO deterrence and defence. BAE Systems said the Prime Minister visited the site ahead of the plan’s publication and saw new technology and infrastructure intended to keep the UK at the cutting edge of innovation.
Starmer delivered a speech on the main elements of the plan to government, industry and military representatives. He toured the facility with Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, Secretary of State for Defence Dan Jarvis, and Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton.
During the visit, the Prime Minister met employees and viewed a range of uncrewed air systems being produced by BAE Systems. The company said these systems will help ensure the UK armed forces have advanced capabilities to deter evolving threats and keep the British people safe.
“The Defence Investment Plan provides much-needed clarity for industry and a clear strategic direction for our armed forces. The government’s commitment to increased defence spending is vital to sustaining the specialist skills across our industrial base critical to national security, while also signalling to our adversaries that the UK is serious about its defence,” said Charles Woodburn, BAE Systems Chief Executive.
“At BAE Systems, we continue to invest in our business to drive innovation, enhance productivity and build capacity, as we play our part in meeting the elevated demand. We’re committed to working with our partners and suppliers to deliver the equipment and services our armed forces need – from fighter jets, warships and submarines that form the backbone of the UK’s enduring deterrence, to agile, disruptive technologies like uncrewed and autonomous systems.”
“Together, we’ll ensure the UK armed forces have what they need to safeguard our national security now and in the future,” Woodburn said. His statement linked higher defence spending with industrial skills, production capacity and the delivery of both major platforms and newer autonomous technologies.
BAE Systems framed the plan as important for industry planning and national security. The company said the visit highlighted the role of uncrewed air systems alongside established capabilities such as fighter jets, warships and submarines.
