| Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
| Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
| Market Size (2025) | USD 66.56 Billion |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 77.62 Billion |
| CAGR (2025 - 2030) | 3.12 % |
| Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
UK Defense Market Analysis
The UK Defense Market size is estimated at USD 66.56 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 77.62 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 3.12% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
As per NATO, the United Kingdom (UK) is one of the top countries globally in terms of defense spending. The country met 2% of its GDP target in 2021 and 2022. In February 2022, the government announced its plan to invest EUR 238 billion (USD 270 billion) in procuring new-generation military equipment and providing required services for existing services over 2021-2031. The investment is expected to support the government in strengthening its digital and cyber capabilities as well as air, land, and sea capabilities.
The country has been increasing its defense budget and spending over the past few years to achieve NATO's defense spending target of 2% of the total country's GDP, which is a significant driver for the market's growth.
As environmental concerns gain prominence worldwide, governments and defense organizations are under pressure to reduce their carbon footprint. This may act as a restraint and can impact the growth of land-based and air-based military vehicles during the forecast period.
Investments in technological advancements to enhance the lethality, precision, and range of weapons, communication range, and other support services to address new and rapidly evolving threats to the country are expected to propel the market's growth.
UK Defense Market Trends
The Navy is Expected to Witness the Highest Growth During the Forecast Period
Maritime security is critically important to the UK, especially after the UK voted to leave the EU. Almost 95% of all UK imports and exports move by sea through over 400 British ports. The UK maritime security is complex and presents various challenges, like the prospect of a terrorist attack at sea, the smuggling of illicit goods, threats to critical marine infrastructure, etc. This requires the United Kingdom to enhance its maritime security capabilities. The UK has taken vital steps to strengthen its naval security capacities and governance mechanisms, including establishing cross-governmental coordination bodies like the Joint Maritime Security Center.
In September 2023, the UK awarded contracts worth USD 4.9 billion to three British industry contractors for designing and manufacturing SSN AUKUS nuclear-powered attack submarines. The aim is to deploy the first submarines by the late 2030s to replace the current Astute-Class vessels.
The government also announced new plans to enhance the capabilities of the British Navy through investments in the addition of new surface ships, submarines, weapons, technologies, and missions. For instance, the Royal Navy plans to operate over 20 frigates and destroyers by the early 2030s, with plans to increase to 24. Such robust plans are expected to enhance the naval capabilities of the country and drive the market’s growth during the forecast period.
Understand The Key Trends Shaping This Market
Download PDF
Fixed-wing Aircraft is Expected to Dominate the Market During the Forecast Period
Procurement of aircraft adds an advantage to the country's military during strategic and tactical operations and helps achieve better operational readiness. Hence, the latest transport aircraft are being acquired. Increased defense expenditure is expected to aid in the growth of the military transport aircraft market during the forecast period.
The UK intends to upgrade its armed forces to confront potential threats, according to the Defense Equipment Plan for 2021 to 2031. During 2021-2031, the country aims to spend USD 321 billion on the purchase and support of equipment. The country's military budget for 2022 was USD 68.5 billion, a rise of 3.7%. Of the total government spending, the country allocated 2.2% to the military. The country’s NATO membership commits it to devote 2% of its annual GDP to defense.
In October 2023, the UK announced it would start trials of the new Protector surveillance aircraft. The aircraft will undergo test flights until entering service in late 2024. The new uncrewed RAF aircraft is capable of global surveillance operations.
The country negotiated with the F-35 Joint Project Office to buy an additional F-35 aircraft in April 2022. In addition to the 48 already contracted aircraft, this second batch would include 26 more aircraft. The first batch of 48 jets is expected to be delivered by 2025. The Royal Air Force intends to have three squadrons of F-35Bs in frontline service, each with 12-16 aircraft. Such developments will drive the demand for fixed-wing aircraft during the forecast period.
Get Analysis on Important Geographic Markets
Download PDF
Competitive Landscape
The UK defense market is fragmented and nurtures open competition policies that seek the best defense equipment for the best value. The MoD acquires defense equipment from foreign sources when the advantages of performance, cost, and delivery schedule outweigh the benefits of buying the British alternative. Airbus SE, Lockheed Martin Corporation, BAE Systems PLC, Leonardo SpA, and THALES are prominent players in the UK defense market, expected to hold a significant share even during the forecast period. BAE Systems is one of the prominent tier-1 suppliers for the F-35 program. Furthermore, BAE Systems is developing Tempest.
A consortium consisting of the UK Ministry of Defense, BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, Leonardo SpA, and MBDA is developing the aircraft. It plans to induct the aircraft in 2035, replacing the Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft service in the Royal Air Force and the Italian Air Force (AMI). Similar partnerships for various government development and procurement programs are expected to help the companies increase their share in the market in the coming years.
UK Defense Market Leaders
-
Lockheed Martin Corporation
-
Airbus SE
-
BAE Systems plc
-
Leonardo S.p.A.
-
THALES
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Need More Details on Market Players and Competiters?
Download PDF
UK Defense Market News
March 2024: The UK signed a contract worth USD 700 million with a defense shipbuilder, Babcock, for a major refit of HMS Victorious, one of Britain's four Vanguard-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines.
November 2023: The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) placed a new USD 25 million order with BAE Systems to supply additional small arms munitions over the next two years.
UK Defense Industry Segmentation
The study covers all aspects and provides insights into the budget allocation and spending in the UK defense market in the past and the present, along with the forecast for the future. The market includes details about the procurement and modernization plans of the UK armed forces. The market also includes investments in the development and launch of satellites, research and development of advanced technologies like directed energy weapons (DEWs) and composites, and advanced manufacturing technologies like 3D printing.
Based on armed forces, the market is segmented into army, navy, and air force. Based on type, the market is segmented into aircraft, rotorcraft, ground vehicles, naval vessels, C4ISR, weapons and ammunition, and protection and training equipment. The market sizing and forecasts have been provided in value (USD).
| Armed Forces | Army |
| Navy | |
| Air Force | |
| Type | Fixed-wing Aircraft |
| Rotorcraft | |
| Ground Vehicles | |
| Naval Vessels | |
| C4ISR | |
| Weapons and Ammunition | |
| Protection and Training Equipment | |
| Unmanned Systems |
Need A Different Region or Segment?
Customize Now
UK Defence Market Research FAQs
How big is the UK Defense Market?
The UK Defense Market size is expected to reach USD 66.56 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 3.12% to reach USD 77.62 billion by 2030.
What is the current UK Defense Market size?
In 2025, the UK Defense Market size is expected to reach USD 66.56 billion.
Who are the key players in UK Defense Market?
Lockheed Martin Corporation, Airbus SE, BAE Systems plc, Leonardo S.p.A. and THALES are the major companies operating in the UK Defense Market.
What years does this UK Defense Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the UK Defense Market size was estimated at USD 64.48 billion. The report covers the UK Defense Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the UK Defense Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
Our Best Selling Reports
UK Defense Industry Report
The UK defence industry is on the brink of significant growth, fueled by rearmament, international partnerships, and a push towards modernizing capabilities for high-intensity warfare. This industry analysis underscores the strategic importance of sectors such as submarines, military land vehicles, and tactical communications, highlighting the UK's commitment to enhancing its military doctrine and defense strategies. With a focus on strengthening maritime security and naval capabilities, the UK defence market is expanding, supported by advancements in military technology like autonomous and unmanned systems. The competitive landscape is driven by key UK defence companies leading in innovation, making the UK defence industry analysis crucial for stakeholders. This dynamic market presents numerous opportunities, as detailed in the Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports, which offer statistics on market share, size, and revenue growth, along with a market forecast outlook. For a comprehensive understanding of the UK defence market, download a free report PDF sample from Mordor Intelligence™, providing valuable insights for businesses and stakeholders in the defence sector.
