The June 2025 Strategic Defence Review and SME Action Plan mark a major shift for UK defence suppliers, with new priorities around capability investment, supply chain resilience, sovereign production and SME participation. With the MOD aiming to increase annual direct and indirect SME spend to £7.5 billion by 2028, the report highlights major opportunities across areas including autonomous systems, AI, cyber security, advanced materials, munitions, simulation and training. For suppliers, the message is clear: success will depend on aligning early with MOD priorities, demonstrating resilience and innovation, building prime contractor relationships, and engaging with new routes to market as procurement…
