UK Defence Minister Pollard declares 'golden age' for defence industry

Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard has declared "a golden age for UK defence industry," using a keynote address at the Farnborough International Airshow to outline how the Defence Investment Plan is rebuilding British air power. He also previewed forthcoming announcements on the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) and the Storm Fighter uncrewed combat aircraft programme.

Candid Opening Amid Reshuffle

Speaking at the Aerospace Global Forum's Defence Summit, part of this year's Farnborough programme, Pollard opened with unusual candour about his own uncertain position. The speech came the morning after a reshuffle that brought Wes Streeting to the Ministry of Defence.

Thanking organisers for the opportunity to address them, Pollard said:

"Apologies for giving you the fright, as you have a minister who has not yet been confirmed in his place speaking on a platform."

He added: "I've left my phone on loud at the back of the room, so if the PM rings, you'll all be able to hear it. Don't worry."

Commitment to Defence and NATO

Pollard stated that the new Prime Minister had set out his commitment to defence and international partners, with NATO commitments topping the list. He pointed to forces currently deployed, including:

• Troops in Estonia
• Typhoon aircrew in Romania
• A carrier strike group in the North Atlantic

These deployments, he said, provide deterrence against what he called the evolving threat from Russia.

The Defence Investment Plan — backed by what Pollard described as a four-year down payment to deliver the 62 recommendations of the Strategic Defence Review — provides "a clear long-term demand signal for industry and importantly for investors as well."

Air Power and Aerospace Investment

Declaring himself "the son of a submariner and a very proud Navy brat," Pollard said the RAF and the aerospace sector were big winners from the plan. Key commitments include:

• £31 billion committed to air and space over four years
• Typhoon upgraded and sustained well into the 2040s
• Ground laid for the first F-35As compatible with NATO's nuclear mission, providing "a long overdue additional rung on our escalation ladder"
• Transport fleet of A400Ms, Voyagers and C-17s sustained
• Jet training system fully recapitalised to ultimately deliver new aircraft for the Red Arrows

GCAP and Storm Fighter Teasers

On the Global Combat Air Programme, Pollard offered only a tease, telling delegates: "Spoiler alert, there's some good news coming on GCAP later today."

Regarding Storm Fighter — the programme to deliver Europe's first uncrewed combat jets — he said the new Defence Secretary "will have an exciting announcement to make on that tomorrow about the timeline for that programme, but no spoilers from me I'm afraid."

Industrial Strategy and Investment

Threading the industrial argument through his speech, Pollard cited:

• £5 billion for drones and uncrewed systems, up £1 billion on previous plans
• A ring-fenced £400 million annual innovation budget
• A £20 million hypersonic target contract awarded to Lockheed Martin UK
• 94 per cent of major contracts going to UK-based firms
• £182 million in defence skills investment
• The newly published Defence SME Action Plan

Addressing business and investors, Pollard said the challenge was straightforward: "Defence knows where it's going. The demand signal is now very clear."

Defence as an Engine for Growth

Pollard argued that defence is an engine for growth and reindustrialisation, providing careers in every nation and region. He closed on the wider purpose:

"We stand ready to support our allies, grow our economy and keep Britain safe."