As we look ahead to 2025, two major publications will define the future of UK defence policy and priorities: the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) and the Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS). Both publications are critical not only for the defence industry but also for the UK’s broader security and economic resilience. ADS has been working closely with the MOD and wider Government departments to help inform these vital strategies.
The defence sector was named as a growth-driving sector in the Industrial Strategy Green Paper, which was a welcome and vital recognition of the contribution to economic growth that defence makes, and the key foundational role the defence industry plays in ensuring stability for national prosperity.
The importance of SDR and DIS in defining defence policy
These reviews come at a critical point in time, marked by rapid technological advancements and escalating global instability. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has demonstrated the importance of the defence industry as a strategic enabler underpinning military capability. The UK must reflect this reality in its military planning, ensuring security and resilience in a contested world.
The conflict in Europe, ongoing tensions in the Middle East, and the continually contested political climate underscore the urgent need for robust defence strategies. Additionally, the threats the UK faces reinforce the centrality of NATO and the importance of alliances. The SDR and DIS are pivotal opportunities for the UK to redefine its role within NATO and strengthen its partnerships with allies.
ADS’ contributions to the SDR and DIS
ADS has played an active role in shaping both the SDR and DIS through extensive engagement with the MOD and wider Government.
Over the summer, ADS hosted a series of SDR workshops with MOD for our members, providing a platform for industry input on key topics, including: The UK’s contribution to NATO, industry’s role in driving modernisation and transformation, agile and efficient defence acquisition and strengthening relationships with allies. These workshops informed ADS’s formal submission to the SDR consultation (a summary blog can be found here), and the MOD is now in the “test and challenge” phase. ADS remains committed to supporting this process as the review team consolidates ideas ahead of the 2025 publication, and ADS has been pleased to support the “test and challenge” panels.
Similarly, ADS supported the MOD with a series of workshops focused on the Defence Industrial Strategy over October and November, exploring the themes central to the Statement of Intent published by the MOD in early December. The workshops offered valuable opportunities for ADS members to engage directly with MOD and DBT, shaping the DIS to reflect industry needs and goals.
Looking ahead
On 2 December, the government released a Defence Industrial Strategy Statement of Intent, inviting industry to respond by 28 February 2025. ADS will continue to work with the MOD to provide additional support to the DIS and submit our consultation paper.
These documents will set the course for UK defence, driving collaboration between government and industry to enhance security, resilience, and economic growth.
ADS remains committed to supporting their development and implementation. For more information, please contact Defence Policy Adviser Emma Baker: Emma.Baker@adsgroup.org.uk.
