Two of Europe’s largest defence companies have announced significant investments in the UK defence industry, following the signing of the landmark Trinity House Agreement between the UK and Germany.
The agreement, signed in London, strengthens ties between the two countries’ armed forces and defence industries, marking a new era of collaboration in European security and economic growth.
Helsing, one of Europe’s fastest-growing defence companies, revealed plans to invest £350 million in UK-based AI technology over the next five years. This investment aims to accelerate the deployment of AI-enabled systems at an unprecedented scale, enhancing the UK’s capabilities in advanced defence technology.
Rheinmetall, a major German defence manufacturer, also announced it will build an artillery gun barrel factory in the UK, supporting over 400 jobs and contributing nearly half a billion pounds to the UK economy over the next decade. The new facility will use British steel, supplied by Sheffield Forgemasters, and will be the first time the UK has produced artillery gun barrels in ten years, with production set to begin in 2027.
Defence Secretary John Healey MP welcomed the investments, stating, “These significant new investments from Helsing and Rheinmetall are a hugely welcome boost to the UK defence industry. It shows how our landmark UK-Germany defence agreement can help drive our defence industries forward, creating highly-skilled jobs and boosting economic growth.”
He added, “From traditional weapons manufacturing to the capabilities of the future, today’s investments by two of Europe’s largest defence companies demonstrate the renewed confidence of investors in the UK defence industrial base.”
The investments are part of a broader effort to enhance European defence cooperation. The Trinity House Agreement includes key projects such as joint development of new long-range strike weapons, expanded training and exercises between the UK and German armies on NATO’s eastern flank, and periodic operations of German P8 aircraft from RAF Lossiemouth to bolster security in the North Atlantic.
Helsing’s investment will also support critical projects outlined in the agreement, including efforts to assist Ukraine and digitise underwater surveillance to protect vital infrastructure.
Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Helsing, Dr Gundbert Scherf, highlighted the urgency of meeting common defence challenges, stating, “Meeting common threats will only be achieved with a shared sense of urgency and a tech industrial base to match this with delivery at speed and scale. Now we’re doubling down with a multi-year commitment to invest at least £350m in the UK to maximise its national strengths.”
Rheinmetall, which already has a significant presence in the UK through its production of military vehicles such as the Challenger 3 tank and Boxer armoured vehicles, sees the new gun barrel facility as a forward-thinking step. Armin Papperger, CEO and Chairman of Rheinmetall AG, remarked, “Rheinmetall’s investment in the gun hall reflects a forward-looking approach to innovation, collaboration, and national defence. It ensures the UK remains a leader in developing and manufacturing defence technologies that safeguard both national and global security.”
With these major investments and the signing of the Trinity House Agreement, the UK and Germany are securing substantial economic and industrial benefits for the future.
Well it’s better than U.K companies being bought out by US private equity firms. They have a habit of asset stripping them to the bone and then destroying what’s left.
German companies tend by decent employers and it isn’t like we don’t own some very large and profitable German Companies.
Your probably right . And I see rheinmetal most likely getting one foot in the door for future artilery contracts , I think boxer vehicle artilery already agreed in principle for uk so this is another step forward for that upcoming contract and future contracts including possible exports . On the whole getting closer with germany for army vehicles, particularly the medium heavy stuff a decent strategy .
I hope they’ve been shown something we’re not privy to around forthcoming budgets which gives them a great IRR. It’s a long shot but here’s hoping
Before you guys get excited! Few years ago before the wars I saw German strategy makers say to their government post Brexit we must anchor ⚓ Britain closer to us so we gain more influence over them.. especially militarily so they become not a competitor. Now it’s materialising all it seems. They said through the EU they likely would be more skeptical but less so if it’s through us.
I think the UK through bad planning and not by choice , gave up being a competitor in medium to heavy vehicles 20 plus years ago . I think there is an acceptance that maybe best leave tanks , artillery, ifv to the mainlanders allowing uk to focus on Naval and all things in the Air like planes drones missiles and satellites. On the whole I think in 5yrs time uk land army will have a much better strategy and some decent vehicles , as long as ww3 don’t get their first 🙂