UK Leads Largest-Ever Trade Mission to Ukraine with 51 Defence Companies

Strategic Insights -

The UK has showcased its strong support for Ukraine's defence needs by leading its largest-ever trade mission to the country. The mission, which brought together 51 UK and international defence companies, aimed to secure contracts and boost high-skilled jobs across the UK. The delegation, which included companies from Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, and Latvia, demonstrated a united multinational industrial front with European allies to scale up support for Ukraine's defence needs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UK led its largest-ever trade mission to Ukraine, with 51 defence companies participating.
  • The mission aimed to secure contracts and boost high-skilled jobs across the UK.
  • Participating companies from the UK and international partners, including Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, and Latvia, are securing contracts that will boost high-skilled jobs in regions across the country.
  • The collaboration is vital in demonstrating a united multinational industrial front with European allies, scaling up support for Ukraine's defence needs.
  • The UK is committed to working with allies to step up support to ensure Ukraine remains in the strongest possible position.
  • The UK government has provided £4.5 billion in military support to Ukraine this year, and £23 billion through the Ukraine Defence Contact Group.
  • Defence supports 434,000 jobs in the UK and is an engine for growth.
  • The Government's new Defence Industrial Strategy will align national security and a high-growth economy.
  • Lord Coaker, Defence Minister, said the UK is building resilient supply chains with the Netherlands, Norway, and Ukraine to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position to achieve a just and lasting peace.
  • Kevin Craven, CEO of ADS, stated that the UK defence industry's support to Ukraine is unwavering and stands ready to increase production capacity and develop innovative new capabilities.

Statistics:

  • 51 UK and international defence companies are participating in the trade mission.
  • £4.5 billion of military support will be provided to Ukraine this year.
  • £23 billion has been pledged in military support for Ukraine through the Ukraine Defence Contact Group since the UK took the chair.
  • Defence supports 434,000 jobs in the UK.
  • The UK defence industry is committed to increasing production capacity and developing innovative new capabilities to support Ukraine's defence needs.

Sources:

  • UK Government News Release: [www.gov.uk/news](http://www.gov.uk/news)
  • Lord Coaker: Personal statement
  • Kevin Craven, CEO of ADS: Personal statement
  • Marte Gerhardsen, Norwegian State Secretary: Personal statement
  • DBT and MOD working closely together through the cross-government Task Force HIRST: Personal statement
  • Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) Oslo Summit: [www.jef.nato.int](http://www.jef.nato.int)