UK Records €22 Billion in Defence Exports in 2025, Further Growth Expected
London, The Gulf Observer: The United Kingdom exported a record €22 billion worth of weapons and defence equipment in 2025, marking the highest annual total on record, with officials indicating that defence exports are set to increase further in the coming year, according to media reports.
The surge comes as European countries significantly boost military spending and expand defence production in response to Russia’s war in Ukraine and wider regional and global security challenges. The latest figure represents a sharp increase from €16.6 billion in defence exports recorded in 2023.
UK Defence Minister Luke Pollard said Britain remains committed to strengthening cooperation with allies and industry partners to maintain its leading position in global defence markets. “We are committed to working with our allies and defence industries to make sure the UK is a leader in global defence exports,” he said, adding that “there’s more to come in 2026.”
Two major arms deals accounted for the bulk of the export growth in 2025. In August, Norway signed its largest-ever defence procurement contract, agreeing to purchase at least five British-designed Type 26 frigates for €11.4 billion. The warships will be built by UK-based BAE Systems as part of enhanced bilateral cooperation to safeguard the North Atlantic and Arctic regions amid heightened Russian military activity.
The second major agreement involved the sale of 20 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets to Türkiye under a €9.1 billion deal. The Eurofighter programme is a multinational effort involving the UK, Germany, Italy and Spain, all of which must approve export decisions. The agreement was finalized after Germany lifted its earlier objections, which had been linked to concerns over Türkiye’s human rights and democratic record.
Türkiye had initially sought to purchase up to 40 of the aircraft. The Eurofighter Typhoon is produced by a European consortium including Airbus, BAE Systems and Leonardo.
Officials said the record export figures underscore the growing role of the UK defence industry amid shifting security dynamics and increased demand for advanced military capabilities across Europe and beyond.
