Britain’s £20billion defence bonanza in document 12 months for exports

The Government has hailed a record year of defence exports after Britain agreed £20bn worth of deals in 2025.

Deals to sell warships to Norway and jets to Turkey helped drive the total to the highest level since records began more than 40 years ago, the Ministry of Defence said.

It said more than 25,000 jobs would be directly supported as a result for decades, at a time when defence contractors such as BAE Systems and Babcock face surging demand as global threats rise – most notably as a result of Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.

And European nations are racing to re-arm as it becomes clear Donald Trump’s America is increasingly reluctant to come to the continent’s aid.

The Eurofighter Typhoon built by a four-nation European consortium including BAE Systems

Defence minister Luke Pollard said: ‘We are committed to working with our allies and defence industries to make sure the UK is a leader in global defence exports, and there’s more to come in 2026.’

Deals in 2025 included the £10bn sale of five frigates to Norway and an £8bn sale of 20 Typhoon jets to Turkey.

Britain will look to increase exports to allies of aircraft, maritime tech and armoured transport vehicles. 

But the industry is frustrated as a defence investment plan has been delayed until next year.