The Ministry of Defence has announced a new alliance with the High Value Manufacturing Catapult to expand the UK’s defence manufacturing base and strengthen supply chains against emerging global threats. The alliance forms part of the newly published Defence Industrial Strategy, which sets out plans to unlock innovation and productivity across the sector, with a clear focus on creating opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises.
HVM Catapult is a national centre for advanced manufacturing and innovation that supports businesses in developing technology from concept through to commercialisation. By providing access to research and development facilities and market intelligence, it will play a central role in supporting MOD ambitions to deliver the Defence Industrial Strategy in partnership with industry, academia and expert networks.
The government has linked the alliance to a significant increase in defence research and development spending. This is designed to provide industry with greater confidence to invest in new capabilities, particularly in regions that have been historically under-served. The approach is expected to create jobs and generate wider economic growth, with defence spending acting as a catalyst for private sector investment.
For suppliers, the alliance offers a route into the defence market through collaboration with HVM Catapult’s established partnerships with prime contractors and original equipment manufacturers. The initiative will help SMEs scale up, overcome capability constraints and access advanced facilities that are normally beyond their reach. This includes areas such as advanced materials, robotics and artificial intelligence, with a strong emphasis on dual-use technologies that can serve both defence and civilian markets.
HVM Catapult has highlighted the barriers many smaller firms face when trying to compete in large supply chains, where capability and capacity requirements can often deter participation. By combining MOD demand with HVM’s expertise, the alliance is positioned to lower those barriers and enable more companies to compete for contracts. This will broaden the industrial base while reducing risks and costs for the MOD through earlier-stage innovation and manufacturing support.
The government describes this initiative as part of the largest increase in defence spending in a generation. It is intended to deliver a step change in the UK’s industrial readiness while ensuring that the benefits of new defence programmes extend into the wider economy. For defence suppliers, the message is clear: investment in R&D, skills and technology development will be central to future growth and competitiveness in the UK market.
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Post written by: Vicky Maggiani
Vicky has worked in media for over 25 years and has a wealth of experience in editing and creating copy for a variety of sectors.
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