The publication of the long-awaited Strategic Defence Review (SDR) marks a defining moment for the UK’s security and resilience sector, particularly with the emphasis on a whole of society approach, digital and cyber and the protection of Defence and CNI sites. We are pleased to see a clear step change in how government is engaging with industry – it’s more than just listening; this Review meaningfully reflects industry’s recommendations throughout its 140 pages. In a world where threats are becoming more complex and unpredictable – both at home and abroad – the SDR recognises that the security and resilience sector must be integrated throughout every part of our national deterrence.
As the silent guardian to the UK, our sector continues to deliver the critical technologies that protect lives, safeguard infrastructure, and enable the UK to uphold its international responsibilities. The SDR rightly seeks to build on this foundation. The commitment to intelligence reform and revitalised counterintelligence is particularly welcome, addressing long-standing fragmentation through targeted investment and structural change. The creation of the Defence Research and Evaluation (DRE) organisation is a timely development – serving as a gateway to academia while designing and delivering early-stage S&T aligned to the National Armament Director’s priorities. Alongside the DRE, the new UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) organisation, backed by £400 million, will enable rapid development of viable solutions to shared challenges, unlocking new opportunities for UK-based companies.
This is a sector that already delivers remarkable economic value: in 2024 alone, it supported 150,000 high-skill, high-productivity jobs, generated £24 billion in turnover, and contributed over £11 billion to the UK economy. With the SDR now in hand, the potential to go further – in economic growth, international competitiveness, and societal benefit – is certainly within reach.
Government must now ensure that industry has an immediate and embedded role in shaping and delivering these capabilities. With over 900 members active in the security and resilience space, we look forward to working with government, academia, and our partners across industry to ensure the ambitions of the SDR are fully realised.
