UK defence industry expansion

The United Kingdom is experiencing significant expansion within its defence sector, particularly in manufacturing and nuclear industries. Recent data indicates a 51% rise in weapons and ammunition manufacturing jobs during the 2024/25 period, contributing to a total of 462,000 roles across the Armed Forces, industry, and Civil Service.

Growth is being driven by efforts to rebuild domestic munitions capabilities for artillery and missiles, alongside major investments in submarine programmes and a £15 billion sovereign nuclear warhead programme. To support a projected workforce of 65,000 in the Defence Nuclear Enterprise by 2030, the government and industrial partners intend to double apprentice and graduate intakes.

Regional initiatives are supporting this national trend. In Wales, a £50 million Defence Growth Deal has been implemented to integrate businesses and universities into military supply chains and establish the region as a hub for autonomous weapons systems. This expansion is supported by the Wales Defence & Security Cluster, a network of approximately 160 businesses, government, and military entities.