Defence sector in line for fresh export help

MEASURES to make it easier for companies in the defence sector to sell their products abroad and get smaller businesses involved will be unveiled today.

Gavin Williamson, the Defence Secretary, will reveal a “refresh” of the defence industrial policy, looking at how the Ministry of Defence’s £18.7bn annual spend on new kit can help Britain’s arms industry expand and deliver economic benefits.

The MOD plans to engage with businesses earlier, helping them understand what military requirements are in the pipeline, meaning they are better able to develop new equipment. An early focus on the “exporta- bility” of products is another part of the updated policy, with new products being developed with international demand in mind.

Greater export sales will feed into the UK economy, helping fund more equip- ment for British forces. One example is the National Shipbuilding Strategy which invited tenders for “cut- price” Type 31e frigates for the Navy, with the designs taking into account how they could be made attractive to other countries.

Red tape around intellec- tual property on equipment developed with the MOD will also be scaled back.