Jessica O'ConnorThe Government has announced a £5bn technology investment package to accelerate military innovation and support skilled job creation nationwide.
The investment aims to cement the UK as a NATO leader in defence technology while delivering on the Government’s broader ‘Plan for Change’.
At the heart of the announcement is a £4bn commitment to develop autonomous systems, such as drones, alongside nearly £1bn in funding for cutting-edge Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) — including the Royal Navy’s DragonFire laser system.
Together, these projects are expected to create 300 new highly skilled roles across the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and its industrial partners, in addition to supporting 200 existing jobs in the DEW sector.
Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: “We are delivering the Strategic Defence Review’s vision to put the UK at the leading edge of innovation in NATO, by backing British industry and fast-tracking the kit of the future into the hands of frontline troops.
“This Government’s Plan for Change will harness the benefits of technology, create hundreds of new jobs and make defence a powerful engine for economic growth.”
Chancellor Rachel Reeves added: “A strong economy needs a strong national defence.
“Additional funding for autonomous systems maximises the defence industry’s potential to drive long-term economic growth and productivity.”
