Written question asked by Ben Obese-Jecty (Conservative) on Friday, 17 October 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 21 October 2025. It was answered by Luke Pollard (Labour) on Monday, 17 November 2025 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Defence: Manufacturing Industries

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 21 of the Defence Industrial Strategy: Making Defence an Engine for Growth, published on 8 September 2025, CP 1388, what criteria would need to be met to define a UK-based company as part of the defence industrial base.

Answer: To define a UK-based company as part of the defence industrial base, it must contribute to national security and align with the aim of increasing the competitiveness of the UK defence market. This includes being a UK supplier or part of priority defence sub-sectors, supporting capability collaboration, and contributing to exports. The company should also help grow and sustain the UK industrial base in line with increased defence spending.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 83089
Session: 2024-26
Related items: Defence Industrial Strategy: Making Defence an Engine for Growth
Monday, 8 September 2025
Command papers
House of Commons
House of Lords
Subjects: Companies Defence Manufacturing industries
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk