Title page 1

Contents 4

Ministerial Foreword 6

Executive Summary 9

Context 16

Vision 18

Strategic Framework 20

1.1. Challenges 20

1.2. Priority Outcomes 22

1.3. Approach 23

1.3.1. Shaped by the sector 23

1.3.2. A whole of society approach 23

1.3.3. The defence sector as a strategic resource 24

Implementation 27

2.1. Summary 27

2.2. Metrics 29

2.3. Plan through to 2035 31

Making Defence an Engine for Growth 32

3.1. Summary 32

3.2. Actions 36

3.2.1. Outcome: Supporting regions and our defence industry across the UK 36

3.2.2. Outcome: Higher private investment and growth in the defence ecosystem 42

3.2.3. Outcome: Increased investment and support to resolving skills gaps and to developing high skilled, well-paid defence jobs 45

Backing UK Based Businesses 50

4.1. Summary 50

4.2. Actions 51

4.2.1. Outcome: Robust Offset Policy in place, subject to public consultation 51

4.2.2. Outcome: Improved procurement framework focused on jobs and skills; technology and innovation; export potential; and UK supply chain development 52

4.2.3. Outcome: Improved SME offer increases entry and access to investment 53

4.2.4. Outcome: Easier for UK-based firms to do business with MOD 54

4.2.5. Outcome: Improved Export Offer boosts growth and strategic benefit to the UK 55

At the Leading Edge of Defence Innovation 60

5.1. Summary 60

5.2. Actions 62

5.2.1. Outcome: Ministry of Defence adopts a bold new approach to science, innovation and technology, and embeds these at the heart of defence 62

5.2.2. Outcome: Increased UK technological advantage and 'pull-through' of technology into commercial viability (including clean technology and dual-use technology) 65

5.2.3. Outcome: Defence's science, innovation and technology ecosystem is modernised and improved, reflecting our ambition for the sector 70

5.2.4. Outcome: a streamlined regulatory environment enables innovation and capability delivery 72

A Resilient UK Industrial Base 74

6.1. Summary 74

6.2. Actions 75

6.2.1. Outcome: The readiness and resilience of the UK defence industrial base is a priority for the Ministry of Defence and Industry 75

6.2.2. Outcome: UK defence industry can adapt at pace and surge to meet any emerging threat 76

6.2.3. Outcome: defence industry is protected and resilient to malign activity, shocks and disruptions 77

6.2.4. Outcome: long-term delivery of the nuclear deterrent is secured through strategic investment and the triple-lock 81

6.2.5. Outcome: Barriers to productivity are removed across the Defence Nuclear Enterprise 82

Fixing Defence Procurement 85

7.1. Summary 85

7.2. Actions 86

7.2.1. Outcome: clear government demand signal provides industry with long-term direction 86

7.2.2. Outcome: effective Procurement Act implementation 87

7.2.3. Outcome: Transformed acquisition system that is fit-for-purpose 89

7.2.4. Outcome: A more competitive, productive and efficient defence sector 92

Forging New Partnerships 93

8.1. Summary 93

8.2. Actions 94

8.2.1. Outcome: Improved partnership between government and industry, with new industrial ventures in priority sub-sectors 94

8.2.2. Outcome: improved partnership between government and wider sector 97

8.2.3. Outcome: Strengthened collaboration with our closest allies 97

Conclusion 101

Accountability Table 102