UK Defence Industry News

[RobWilliams]

Following the revelation of the "National Security through technology" paper (see bottom .pdf link - too big to attach), the MOD has launched the Industrial Engagement policy.

The aims of this policy is for foreign defence companies to invest in the UK defence and security industry. The official MOD aims are as follows

• see the UK as a prime location to engage in research and development investment and technology transfer
• extend opportunities for UK companies to become part of their supply chain
• engage specifically with SMEs in these activities and, where possible, provide advice to enhance SMEs' opportunities to succeed in the market place.

(SME meaning "Small and Medium based Enterprise")

Alongside of this, there's also been a fresh broadside of backing British defence exports.

Boeing has signed up to the governments new policy saying

"Boeing is honoured to support the UK armed forces with great platforms like Chinook, C-17 and Apache.

"The previous Industrial Participation opportunity associated with the supply of these platforms was a significant factor in our commitment to increase our UK defence footprint that now employees more than 800 people.

"This brings significant defence capability onshore for helicopter maintenance and modification, logistics transformation, training and advanced modelling and simulation to mention just four.

"This is only part of the story, our focus on the UK supply chain means Boeing also spends around $1bn each year with 250 suppliers that have become an invaluable part of the Boeing supply chain.

"The new policy provides the stimulus for longer term engagement and we are delighted to be the first Company to sign up."

This can only be good for the UK defence industry, although I doubt this would resort in much new investment because surely you'd invest in a country which you have a reasonable profit in so if anything this is asking for a committment and potential expansion of already existing multinational companies in the UK.

Ministry of Defence | Defence News | Equipment and Logistics | New Industrial Engagement Policy with overseas-based suppliers launched
Ministry of Defence | Defence News | Equipment and Logistics | Minister Welcomes Boeing's decision to sign up to the MOD's New Industrial Engagement Policy
http://www.mod.uk/NR/rdonlyres/4EA96021-0B99-43C0-B65E-CDF3A9EEF2E9/0/cm8278.pdf