UK SMEs remain vulnerable in effort to help build sovereign capabilities, JCNSS report warns
Drones awaiting shipment to Ukraine as part of the UK-led Drone Coalition, many of which are British designed and produced. (Photo: Crown Copyright).
The report comes as heads of industry bodies warn that the delayed defence spending plan has left smaller and medium sized businesses in stasis, unable to plan or seek out further investment.
The UK must do more to support its defence industrial base – namely small and medium enterprises (SMEs) – to ensure their contribution to developing sovereign capabilities can be pursued, a committee report on the UK’s National Security Strategy has noted.
Published on 27 March by the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy (JCNSS), the report called for greater clarity and noted that insufficient support and guidance was being given to SMEs.
The ongoing delay to the UK Defence Investment Plan (DIP) continues to raise concerns among industry bodies, as overall plans for support of SMEs as well as
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![Pentagon confirms it will continue with the acquisition of E-7 Wedgetails for US Air Force]()
Pentagon confirms it will continue with the acquisition of E-7 Wedgetails for US Air Force
The Pentagon has sent an amendment to the Office of Management and Budget, according to Pete Hegseth, including funds for the procurement of E-7 Wedgetails in FY2027.
-
![Ukraine fighter jet plans accelerate with Sweden and Belgian updates]()
Ukraine fighter jet plans accelerate with Sweden and Belgian updates
The country could be on the cusp of finalising an historic deal with Saab for up to 150 aircraft, with Belgium also increasing its number of donated F-16 aircraft to 53 with refreshed delivery timelines.
-
![US Air Force prepares next stage of E-3 Sentry modernisation]()
US Air Force prepares next stage of E-3 Sentry modernisation
The USAF intends to conduct the second phase of the DRAGON programme from FY2026 to FY2030, while the future of the E3 replacement remains unknown.
-
![Indonesia strengthens Turkish defence ties with Kizilelma drone order]()
Indonesia strengthens Turkish defence ties with Kizilelma drone order
Indonesia’s purchase of 12 drones with options for an additional 48 is the third deal in as many years between Indonesian and Turkish defence industries, bolstering the former’s plans to strengthen its own domestic production and defence industry.
