UK’s largest-ever warship export deal spurs record £20 billion defense exports

December 26, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

The UK has recorded its highest defence exports since records began, driven in large part by the country’s largest-ever warship export deal, a landmark agreement that is set to strengthen allied naval capabilities while delivering a significant boost to British shipbuilding, workers, and the wider defence supply chain.

Computer generated footage of Type 26 Global Combat Ship with Norwegian flag; Credit: UK Government

The country secured more than £20 billion in defence exports to allied nations in 2025, marking what is expected to be the highest annual total since records began over 40 years ago. The record-breaking figure was driven by a series of major agreements, including the UK’s largest-ever warship export deal and the biggest fighter jet sale.

“We are showing again how this government is delivering on our pledge to make defence an engine for economic growth across the country while boosting our security and that of our allies,” Luke Pollard, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, said.

“By winning the historic deal to build Type 26 frigates for Norway, we are driving growth in Scotland and across the UK while better equipping our combined navies to counter the threat from Russia in the North Atlantic. And by exporting Typhoon fighter jets to Türkiye, we are securing high-skilled jobs in Lancashire, Scotland and across the UK whilst helping strengthen NATO’s southern flank,” he added.

The UK and Norway signed the Lunna House agreement, which will see the Royal Navy and Royal Norwegian Navy operate together to counter threats. At the center of the pact is a joint fleet of Type 26 anti-submarine warfare frigates, eight for the UK and at least five for Norway. The £10 billion agreement, concluded in September, will be ‘the largest’ Norwegian defense capability investment to date.

The UK, in its biggest ever warship export deal by value, will supply Norway with at least five Type 26 frigates designed for anti-submarine warfare.

UK and Norway sign major defense deal, establish interchangeable Type 26 fleet

Authorities

The UK recently announced the Atlantic Bastion transformation of the Royal Navy’s submarine-hunting capabilities, using uncrewed systems to develop a hybrid navy.

A further 20,000 jobs across the UK were secured through the “largest fighter jet deal in a generation”, selling 20 Typhoons to Türkiye in an £8 billion boost to the economy.

The UK also recently announced the Atlantic Bastion transformation of the Royal Navy’s submarine-hunting capabilities, using uncrewed systems to develop a hybrid navy.

UK unveils new undersea warfare technology program

Equipment & technology

A further 20,000 jobs across the UK were secured through the largest fighter jet deal in a generation, selling 20 world-leading Typhoons to Türkiye in an £8 billion boost to the economy. These deals are also complemented by the export and sale of 12 C-130 aircraft to Türkiye at a combined value to UK defense and Marshall Aerospace Group of over £550 million.

Earlier this year, the UK signed a new AUKUS treaty with Australia, which has the potential to drive up to £20 billion in potential exports and support over 21,000 UK jobs.

Building on its 2025 success, the UK aims to secure additional defense export deals in 2026, focusing on demand for advanced aircraft, modern maritime systems, and armored vehicles such as Boxer. To support these efforts, the country has joined the Agreement on Defense Export Controls with France, Germany, and Spain, streamlining exports to partner nations.

These initiatives coincide with the Ministry of Defense’s largest reform effort in more than 50 years, including the establishment of the National Armaments Director Group and a new International Collaboration & Exports team.

“Global security demands an always-on approach to international collaboration and exports. As announced in the Strategic Defence Review, we’re creating a single point of focus that connects UK industry directly with international opportunities,” Avril Jolliffe, Director General of International Collaboration and Exports (IC&E), commented.

“This isn’t just about selling equipment – it’s about building defence partnerships that support collective security and UK economic objectives,” she concluded.