DSEI 2021: UK defence industry policy risks strategic incoherence (Opinion)
UK-based F-35 component manufacturer Meggitt is set to be bought by Parker-Hannifin. (Photo: Meggitt)
The UK has a globally regarded network of defence and security companies — but industrial sovereignty is being eroded by a steady stream of bids from overseas.
Key parts of the UK defence industry appear to be up for sale to speculative US investors that are keen to swoop, secure a bargain and reap the rewards.
At the same time, UK steel company Sheffield Forgemasters has been effectively nationalised to protect critical parts of the UK defence supply chain.
These two events highlight what is best be described as growing strategic incoherency in the UK approach to protecting its sovereign defence industrial capabilities. There are potentially significant ramifications for these actions, yet no clear sense that the UK government has a plan on how to address
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from DSEI 2021 News
-
![HMS Prince of Wales launches Banshee target drone in landmark demo]()
HMS Prince of Wales launches Banshee target drone in landmark demo
Banshee target drones could be used by the RN for experimentation of future sensors, weaponry and radio equipment.
-
![DSEI 2021: Horizon Technologies closes DSEI with $1 million sale]()
DSEI 2021: Horizon Technologies closes DSEI with $1 million sale
Horizon Aerospace Technologies, a subsidiary of Horizon Technologies, finished DSEI with the announcement of a $1 million sale of its FlyingFish system.
-
![DSEI 2021: Jankel and Bodytrak seek good vibrations]()
DSEI 2021: Jankel and Bodytrak seek good vibrations
UK partners combine in a bid to mitigate the physical burden on armoured vehicle crews.
-
![DSEI 2021: Raytheon Anschütz firms up UK footprint]()
DSEI 2021: Raytheon Anschütz firms up UK footprint
The Warship Integrated Navigation and Bridge System from Raytheon is already installed on the RN's Daring-class Type 45 destroyers — but the company has broader ambitions.
-
![DSEI 2021: Arnold Defense notches next stage of Fletcher development]()
DSEI 2021: Arnold Defense notches next stage of Fletcher development
Arnold Defense has announced the next stage of development for their Fletcher rocket launcher.
-
![DSEI 2021: Bridging module embodies rapid deployability]()
DSEI 2021: Bridging module embodies rapid deployability
A bridge mounted on a Boxer vehicle was one of the most prominent equipment displays at DSEI this year.
