We must work together to meet the defence challenges of our time
Equipping the Armed Forces for success depends on a resilient UK defence industry that can deliver cutting edge capability and create high-quality jobs across the country
The global settlement that has held since the end of the Cold War is under pressure. We are seeing increased tensions between the West and East, a more challenging security environment and profound technological changes that governments are working hard to understand. The terrible war in Ukraine has shattered assumptions about security on our own continent by bringing a return to large-scale war in Europe for the first time since the end of the Second World War.
In this context it is understandable that politicians, military commanders and increasingly the general public are considering the role of defence in our national and regional security. The need to have this conversation is pressing because at stake is nothing less than the safety of our people, the resilience of our society and the role of the UK as an ally on the global stage.
With this in mind, the government’s recent commitment to increase defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP – with pathway to 3 per cent – is not just a financial uplift. It represents a strategic focus that acknowledges the central role of defence in safeguarding our way of life. I am heartened to see that this move, largely, enjoys a level of cross-party support. I thank parliamentarians for their leadership in making that unity clear.
Why is this so important? We must remember that industry and government’s joint aim is to give the men and women of the Armed Forces the best equipment we can, so they have the best chance to fight and win – and to protect themselves, too. As a veteran of Afghanistan, I know from experience that having the right kit is essential – anything less is unacceptable.
The Defence Secretary has also made it clear that the Armed Forces are only as strong as the industry that supports them – a point I know colleagues at Saab UK and in other companies take seriously. To support this, we’ve made targeted investments to strengthen our UK production in sensors and underwater robotics, as well as focusing on new partnerships. Our multi-million-pound supply chain supports thousands of British jobs, driving economic growth and innovation. 37 per cent of our Gripen fighter jets are manufactured by UK companies and over 60 per cent of our battle-winning NLAWs, which have proven their capability in the defence of Ukraine.
I’m always heartened when I see colleagues at Saab UK working closely with the Armed Forces to deliver. The defence industry relies on the work of committed people, and there is no doubt our industry will play a critical role in the renewal of our collective defence. In doing so, we can harness expertise and innovation in all regions to provide great careers.
Saab UK is ready to rise to the challenges we face alongside the rest of industry, working closely with government. In a world that is changing, our goal remains constant: to keep people and society safe. That is the measure by which both industry and government will be judged. It’s on all of us to get it right.
To find out more about Saab UK visit https://www.saab.com/uk
