The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has confirmed that it is assessing the potential impact of US steel tariffs on UK military shipbuilding, as well as continuing close cooperation with the US on defence technology and AUKUS Pillar 2 initiatives.

In response to a parliamentary question from Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, MP for Slough, Defence Minister Maria Eagle acknowledged that the full implications of US steel tariffs on UK military shipbuilding are still being explored.

“The UK benefits from a strong and balanced trade relationship with the US and we continue to share a longstanding, close relationship on all defence issues,” Eagle stated.

The UK’s military shipbuilding sector relies on both domestic and imported steel, including sources from Europe and North America. If tariffs were to impact procurement costs or supply chains, it could affect defence production timelines and costs—a factor under review by government and industry leaders.

Meanwhile, the Defence Secretary has engaged in recent discussions with his US counterpart regarding the future of AUKUS Pillar 2 cooperation and potential UK participation in advanced defence technology projects.

In a written response to Andrew Rosindell, MP for Romford, Maria Eagle reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to strengthening its security ties with the US, particularly under AUKUS Pillar 2, which focuses on jointly developing cutting-edge capabilities beyond nuclear-powered submarines.

“The Secretary of State for Defence has used his recent opportunities for dialogue with his US counterpart to emphasise the importance, now more than ever, of our deep ties and collaboration on security and defence,” Eagle noted.

The UK remains closely aligned with the US on technology sharing, with discussions on enhancing interoperability and expanding participation in US-led defence innovation programmes.

George Allison
George has a degree in Cyber Security from Glasgow Caledonian University and has a keen interest in naval and cyber security matters and has appeared on national radio and television to discuss current events. George is on Twitter at @geoallison

36 COMMENTS

  1. Should we not levy reciprocal tariffs, it should not impact our shipbuilding…

    Great about pillar 2, but, what about pillar 1?

    Meanwhile, Starmer issues stronge statement to Putin and not only does the primary Heathrow sub station explode but so do the two reserves.

    • the Americans have had the attitude and expectations that ‘little Britain will do and accept whatever they tell us to do. this is the result of weak in effective government for over half a century. the u.k economy has been steered to whatever the u.s does, sir, as much as a handbrake on a canoe kier starmer is no different. We’re committed to increasing our forces because the Americans have told us to do it we’ve handcuffed our own industrial industry to the American one to the extent that we have little capacity to produce for yourselves anymore, instead we give our money to the likes of Lockheed and accept it is ok to pay a premium price for the goods it’s time for the u.k to stand up and say that we don’t have to rely on them and as well as committing to build up the armed forces, we’ll also look to our abilities to do for ourselves. this labour government are boilermakers in Tory suit’s.

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    • we shouldn’t levy, we should already have the tariffs on the u.s imports the u.s rips Britain off with inflated costs that dim Britain will always stump up for. We’re not the 51st state and should behave like that.

    • I don’t and never have, liked the condescending attitude of the Americans towards Europe I’m all for a European defence organisation that doesn’t handcuff itself to American policies.already on paper we can put in the field,,as much and vastly superior people and equipment a drawdown of u.s bases in Europe should be fine aim. closing the u.s bases in Norfolk and replacing the abilities of the bases at present With equipment of our own. even if it means raffles and grippers, typhoons instead of the 70 odd g 15’s currently here.

  2. It’s pretty safe to say AUKUS pillar II is dead at this point and with the noise coming out of the Trump administration and Australia AUKUS pillar I won’t be around much longer.

    With friends like these who needs enemies.

    Hopefully all the extra submarine and reactor production capability can be put to good use by buying 5 Dreadnoughts and 15 SSN A for the royal navy.

    I know I’ll sleep a lot better in a multi polar world with one of the world’s largest and most capable nuclear submarine forces at our disposal.

    • I do not think the U.K. part of AUKUS is dead. The Aussies still need subs and they are already heavily invested in our next H/K although I think they will pivot away from any American systems on board.
      If anything I think the Aussies will be asking if the UK could somehow (expand capacity ) to fit in two Astutes . However I have no idea if this is feasible ( they will need more than a bigger shed) given that I do not think the MoD will be keen on anything that slows down progress on the Dreadnaughts .

      • A question I asked Rodders yesterday.

        Speed up Bomber build, slot in Astutes… However, the reactors are long lead items so possibly not feasible AND

        Are GD Boat still big in Barrow? Do we still need there expertise?

        • Excuse my ignorance GD boats?

          As for long lead items eg reactors. Know RR I actually don’t think hit will be a problem for them to accelerate the production of reactors. Bear in mind that RR are heavily involved in the concept of micro reactors. The bigger problem may be that they are geared up to build PWR 3 reactors which ( I believe) are too big for an Astute hull. Pivoting back to PWR 2 may be the bigger problem.

          • General Dynamics Boats. Helped with the CAD with Astutes I understand as we let our own ability wither.

    • This post is the biggest load of bullshit from you this year. Once again, pure supposition, unencumbered by facts. Complete crap

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      • people on here do not come to be assaulted with petty and frankly childish abuse and insults everyone’s entitled to their opinions and we should all respect that. it’s a shame that when we have these childish exchanges, that the same individuals are involved, they know who they are and they should take this nonsense to a trainspotting site where people will think they know what they are talking about, even though they don’t

    • AUKUS pillars I and II are both secure, they endow all parties.

      The US has come to the conclusion that it can not afford to take on China while a percentage of it forces are tied up in the European theatre. It needed to kick the collective European asse’s to step up militarily, as they are now doing.

      It’s in Europes best interest that the US “wins” any conflict with China.

      The US and Australia both need each other.
      The US needs Australia in its forthcoming “war” with China, just as it needs South Korea, Japan, New Zealand and India together with the Phillipines, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea and as many of the Pacific nations, Terra Firma is essential, obviously Australia, South Korea, Japan and India bring much more than land to the equation. Australia needs the might of the US military to secure its defence, there will be a price to pay for that.

  3. Has anyone heard anything about the UK buying an ionospheric radar from Australia? Canada has just bought one and ABC in Australia is saying they are in talks with the UK to do the same. That would give us radar coverage over the entire North Atlantic and Arctic from a ground based facility but Canada is spending $6 billion so it’s very pricy.

    • Is that the Jindalee system? If so I understood there were major technical issues at one time, presumably they are resolved now.

      • Yes, Canada just bought one, it’s been around for some time now so I would imagine they have worked out the kinks if Canada is spending $6 billion on one.

    • Both Australia & Canada are very big countries, so they need multiple arrays. Australia uses 3 separate radars spread across the continent. Canada is likely looking at something similar. UK would not require any more than 1.

    • I see you are still attempting to use the UKDJ site to establish facts for your Russian case officer. Clearly the security services need to investigate

      • You really are a “ charming person”
        I suggest the person who needs to consult with your case officer is you.

        • people on here do not come to be assaulted with petty and frankly childish abuse and insults everyone’s entitled to their opinions and we should all respect that. it’s a shame that when we have these childish exchanges, that the same individuals are involved, they know who they are and they should take this nonsense to a trainspotting site where people will think they know what they are talking about, even though they don’t Canada spends it’s money far better than we do especially in areas such as defence shut up the pair of yo if you cannot be civil, then F off somewhere else.

    • I like the way that Canada goes about it’s business and the way that they are giving it back to the idiot south of the border is great. I wish we had a government with the same ‘melons’ who would show the arrogant ‘cousins across the Atlantic that we ARE NOT POODLES to their foreign policies. it’s time for the u.k and Europe to say thanks for the help IN THE PAST, but we don’t want you here anymore, please fuck off.

  4. I don’t believe the US and EU tariffing steel would have any significant impact on immediate defence programmes infact it’s very likely to reduce the cost of steel imports to the UK as US and EU steel manufacturers would see the UK as a good market. The big issue would be around the pressure that would put on UK steel as exporting to the US has a big tariff drag and it will also be impacted by cheaper steel coming into the UK .

    • I like the way that Canada goes about it’s business and the way that they are giving it back to the idiot south of the border is great. I wish we had a government with the same ‘melons’ who would show the arrogant ‘cousins across the Atlantic that we ARE NOT POODLES to their foreign policies. it’s time for the u.k and Europe to say thanks for the help IN THE PAST, but we don’t want you here anymore, please fuck off.

  5. What really wories me is the possibility that the abberation of an unrestrained Trump 2nd term currently running does not end with someone sane restoring the USA to the defender of freedom & a reliable ally.
    Two other possibilities could be either the USA descends into civil war or becomes another authoratarian dictatorship like Russia, China, N Korea etc where anyone showing dissent is an “enemy of the state”.

    With Trump persecuting anyone opposing his insane agenda & shutting down agencies that were combatting Russian properganda while parroting it, it’s not looking hopeful.

    • it’s time for starmer to remind herr trump that neither Canada, the u.k or the rest of Europe are NOT THE 51st STATE show the arrogant nation that Europe can look after themselves and boot them out of Norfolk.

  6. “… The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has confirmed that it is assessing the potential impact of US steel tariffs on UK military shipbuilding.” ~ MOD via UKJD.

    “… The UK’s military shipbuilding sector relies on both domestic and imported steel, including sources from Europe and North America. If tariffs were to impact procurement costs or supply chains, it could affect defence production timelines and costs”

    Taken at face value, I don’t understand the above quotes.
    The only tariffs on steel imported into the UK from the US are UK tariffs; at 25% (pending Safeguarding Duty).
    The US is not imposing tariffs on their exported steel.
    The UK is not importing steel into the US to build warships.

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