SMI Welcomes the Publication of the Strategic Defence Review

The long-awaited Strategic Defence Review was finally published this week, marking a significant milestone for the UK’s defence and security posture.

It was a privilege to be invited to contribute to its development and to collaborate closely with the Naval Staff, ensuring that the voice of the UK maritime industries was heard and reflected in its propositions. The government has listened—and importantly, has backed the Review in full.

This commitment will directly benefit the UK maritime sector by:

• Driving domestic shipbuilding across the regions

• Enhancing sovereign capability and national resilience

• Accelerating technological innovation

• Championing sustainability and clean maritime technologies

• Creating new export markets and strategic partnerships

As the Secretary of State rightly said, “This is not just the government’s review—it is Britain’s Defence Review.” And, as Fiona Hill emphasized on Newscast, this is a “whole-of-society endeavour.” It goes far beyond Defence—it’s about economic security, industrial strength, and national preparedness.

Ultimately, the Review acts as a catalyst for long-term growth across both the civil and defence maritime sectors, reinforcing the UK’s status as a global maritime power.

But this is only the beginning.

If we are to realise the ambitions of a more assertive defence posture, strengthen supply chain resilience, and reinforce maritime security, then delivery is the next critical step—and it will require effort from all of us across industry, government, and society. The course is now set. Now, we must find the money and deliver.