Major contracts include the UK’s largest ever warship export deal and the biggest fighter jet sale for a generation, underscoring rapid progress against the Strategic Defence Review’s aim to make defence a driver of economic growth. The exports also strengthen cooperation with allies, particularly within NATO, while boosting industrial activity across the country.
A central agreement is a £10 billion deal with Norway to supply at least five Type 26 frigates, supporting around 4,000 jobs across more than 430 UK businesses. The deal follows the signing of the Lunna House agreement, enabling closer cooperation between the Royal Navy and Royal Norwegian Navy to counter threats in the North Atlantic.
Luke Pollard MP said: “We are showing again how this government is delivering on our pledge to make defence an engine for economic growth across the country while boosting our security and that of our allies.” He added: “By winning the historic deal to build Type 26 frigates for Norway, we are driving growth in Scotland and across the UK while better equipping our combined navies to counter the threat from Russia in the North Atlantic.”
Further exports include the sale of 20 Typhoon fighter jets to Türkiye in an £8 billion deal, securing around 20,000 jobs and strengthening NATO’s southern flank. Additional agreements cover the export of 12 C-130 aircraft to Türkiye, safeguarding 1,400 jobs in Cambridge, and the sale of transporter vehicles to Czechia.
Rupert Pearce said: “These export successes reflect the NAD Group’s mission to strengthen international partnerships while driving economic growth at home.” Avril Jolliffe added: “This isn’t just about selling equipment – it’s about building defence partnerships that support collective security and UK economic objectives.”
Source: UK Ministry of Defence (press release).
