60% of UK Defence SMEs exporting to NATO allies

Homeland September 24, 2025

Armida van Rij outlines the challenges Europe faces in scaling up its defence industrial base, the importance of public support for increased defence spending, and why economic growth should not be the primary justification for security investments. Courtesy of NATO Public Forum.

A landmark survey from leading Defence trade body Make UK Defence has showed that 60% of members are exporting directly to NATO Allies, while 25% are directly supplying vital equipment to Ukraine. Announced at DSEI, these statistics underline the vital role the UK’s defence manufacturing sector plays in safeguarding national security, driving economic growth, and supporting NATO’s collective strength.

The announcement came as Defence Secretary John Healey launched the Defence Industrial Strategy. The Government’s renewed commitment to defence investment recognises the sector’s importance not only for UK security but also for creating high-skilled jobs, boosting innovation, and supporting regional economies across the country. Make UK Defence want to ensure the Government can unlock the great potential within the supply chain and SME community to support this growth.

Make UK Defence members are delivering the cutting-edge capabilities required to strengthen NATO partnerships and maintain the UK’s global influence. From advanced manufacturing and engineering to cyber resilience and digital technologies, members are directly supporting ongoing operations including critical assistance to Ukraine while building up the UK’s sovereign capability across land, air, sea, and cyber.

Make UK Defence member Thor Industries, for example, is introducing a new range of explosives processing and manufacturing equipment for small to mid-scale operations. Meanwhile OpenWorks Engineering and Oxley Group produce leading-edge technology to enhance defence and security forces’ situational awareness and ability to mitigate uncrewed aerial systems and other dynamic threats.

With over three quarters of respondents selling directly into the UK Ministry of Defence the shift from traditional large scale defence contractors to smaller, agile specialists is clear – Make UK Defence members are ensuring the UK is ready to face the challenges of today and the threats of tomorrow through leveraging world-class engineering, research, and manufacturing.

Andrew Kinniburgh, Director-General at Make UK Defence, said: “The UK defence industry is not just equipping our Armed Forces, it is fuelling national prosperity. Our members are investing in innovation, developing the next generation of skills, and helping ensure the UK meets its commitments to NATO and our allies. From standing alongside Ukraine to building sovereign capability at home, Make UK Defence members are proud to be at the heart of our nation’s security and economic strength.”

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