The Ministry of Defence has reaffirmed its commitment to using British-made steel where possible in upgrades to Royal Navy, Army and RAF bases, as part of a wider effort to strengthen domestic supply chains and sustain the UK’s defence industrial base.
Responding to written questions from Baroness Redfern, Defence Minister Lord Coaker said the UK steel sector “provides vital support to the UK’s defence capabilities, including specialist cast and forged steel components for a range of UK defence programmes such as submarines, surface vessels and artillery barrels.”
He explained that while steel for major defence programmes is often sourced through prime contractors from both UK and international suppliers, the government remains “committed to creating the right conditions in the UK for a competitive and sustainable steel industry.”
Lord Coaker said the Ministry of Defence is working closely with other departments on the development of a new government steel strategy, which will “set a long-term vision for a revitalised and sustainable industry and outline the actions needed to get there.”
The strategy will aim to “secure UK steel supply chains and create a competitive business environment in the UK.”
He added that a strong domestic industrial base is essential for national security, referencing the National Security Strategy, the Strategic Defence Review and the Defence Industrial Strategy published in September.
I saw an article about South Korea earlier, saying that they are to produce Super Strength Steel to use in their Shipbuilding.