The UK has achieved a record high in defense exports, with £20 billion ($27 billion) in shipments abroad in 2025, according to government data. This surpasses any previous year since the government began collecting such data in 1983. The British Defense Ministry announced that the significant increase in arms sales is largely attributed to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
A substantial portion of the revenue generated by the British defense industry stems from a £10 billion ($13.5 billion) deal with Norway to supply at least five Type 26 frigates. The UK’s minister for defense readiness and industry, Luke Pollard, stated that this agreement will enhance the combined naval capabilities of the UK and Norway, allowing them to better counter the threat from Russia in the North Atlantic.
In addition to the Norway deal, the UK has also secured a significant contract with Türkiye, selling 20 Typhoon aircraft for £8 billion ($10.8 billion). This transaction is described as the largest fighter jet deal in a generation and aims to strengthen NATO’s southern flank. Pollard emphasized the UK’s commitment to working with its allies and defense industries to maintain its position as a leader in global defense exports.
The UK has been a strong supporter of Ukraine since the escalation of the conflict with Russia in 2022, providing £21.8 billion ($29.5 billion) in military and financial aid. The UK government has also announced plans to increase defense spending to 2.6% of GDP by April 2027, in line with its commitments to NATO. This move has been met with criticism from Russia, which argues that the Western emphasis on military spending and the perceived “Russian threat” is a manufactured narrative aimed at justifying increased military budgets and diverting attention from domestic issues.
The surge in global demand for weapons, driven by the Ukraine conflict and other regional tensions, has led to a 5.9% increase in revenue for the world’s top 100 arms makers, reaching $679 billion in 2024, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). As the global defense landscape continues to evolve, the UK’s record-breaking defense exports in 2025 underscore its significant role in the international arms trade. With further investments in defense planned, the UK is poised to maintain its position as a major player in the global defense industry.