The UK is taking significant steps to enhance sovereign capabilities in both drone manufacturing and counter-Uncrewed Air Systems (C-UAS), as confirmed by Maria Eagle, Minister of State for Defence, in response to parliamentary questions from James Cartlidge, MP for South Suffolk.
Eagle highlighted the government’s commitment to bolstering the UK’s defence industrial base and ensuring security against emerging threats from unmanned systems.
In her response regarding drone manufacturing, Eagle emphasised the importance of industry partnerships, stating, “Our industry partners are at the heart of producing cutting edge uncrewed systems for defence.”
She outlined the government’s intention to align its Defence Industrial Strategy with the broader Invest 2025 Modern Industrial Strategy, which focuses on promoting UK industry. “We will ensure that this will link into the government’s wider ‘Invest 2025’ Modern Industrial Strategy, which includes a clear focus on promoting UK industry,” Eagle explained.
The MOD is also expanding its governance and assurance around uncrewed systems to provide industry with a clear understanding of defence requirements. Eagle stated, “The Ministry of Defence is also expanding the governance and assurance around uncrewed systems to ensure that Industry get a clear understanding of what Defence requires.” These efforts are expected to support innovation and production in the UK, with a focus on aligning security and economic priorities.
On the topic of anti-UAV capabilities, Eagle highlighted the MOD’s focus on strengthening its C-UAS systems to counter growing threats from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). She confirmed that the MOD is working with UK industries to develop and procure advanced C-UAS technologies.
“The Ministry of Defence (MOD) continues to evolve and strengthen our Counter-Uncrewed Air Systems (C-UAS) capabilities. To counter the growing threat from UAS, the MOD has developed and procured a broad range of cutting-edge C-UAS capabilities, including from UK industries,” Eagle said.
Eagle also mentioned the role of the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) in guiding future capabilities, ensuring that the UK remains secure and resilient in the face of new challenges.
However, she withheld specific details for security reasons, explaining, “I am withholding the detailed information requested as its release would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces.”
