Fri, 09 May 2025

Fri, 09 May 2025 UK prepared to pay to access EU defence programmes

Defence secretary John Healey has told the BBC the UK will pay its "fair share" but wants a say in decisions.
The UK government has expressed willingness to invest in EU defence spending programs worth hundreds of billions of pounds, as long as British companies have access and influence over these projects. Defence Secretary John Healey stated that the UK wants to "pay our fair share" but also maintain control over intellectual property and export opportunities. BAE Systems, a leading UK defence company, is already preparing for increased demand by adding extra staff shifts and transforming its supply chains. The company's artillery factory in Washington Tyne and Wear is now operating 24 hours a day, with plans to increase production capacity by 16-fold over the next five years. The UK government has committed to increasing defence spending from 2.3% to 2.5% of GDP from 2027, with £6bn transferred from the international aid budget. However, some defence experts warn that this money may be primarily spent on basic infrastructure and recruitment rather than new weapons. As the world prepares for potential future conflicts, the UK government sees benefits in investing in European defences and supporting Ukraine. The Defence Secretary believes that increased spending will also boost British business and jobs, with 400,000 jobs and 12,000 companies already supported by defence contracts. The changing nature of warfare is also being acknowledged, with drones playing a significant role in recent conflicts. BAE Systems has recently acquired drone technology, making it the second-largest manufacturer in Europe after Ukraine.
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