The United Kingdom has recorded its highest-ever value of defense export sales since records began more than 40 years ago, reaching over £20 billion (approximately $27 billion) in 2025. The milestone was confirmed by the UK Ministry of Defense, marking a historic peak in arms export agreements dating back to 1983.
These export deals are expected to support more than 25,000 jobs across the British defense industry. However, it is important to note that the figure reflects the total value of contracts signed, rather than direct revenue flowing into the state budget, as the payments will be spread over many years and largely benefit private defense companies.
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A closer look at the data shows that the record total is heavily concentrated in just two major contracts, which together account for around 90% of the declared export value. The largest of these is a £10 billion ($13.5 billion) agreement signed in September 2025 with Norway for at least five Type 26 frigates built by BAE Systems. These ships are intended to replace Norway's Fridtjof Nansen-class frigates, with delivery of the first vessel expected around 2029.
The second-largest deal is the export of Eurofighter Typhoon fighters to Turkey, finalized in October 2025. In its official statistics, the UK Ministry of Defense stated that this contract would "bring £8 billion" to the British economy, a figure that significantly exceeds the actual value of the contract itself.
Available details indicate that the real contract value to be executed by BAE Systems is approximately £5.4 billion ($7.2 billion). Of this amount, around £4.6 billion ($6.13 billion) is attributed to the aircraft themselves, with an additional £800 million ($1 billion) allocated for weapons. Deliveries of the new fighters are expected to begin from 2030.
In addition to the Typhoon deal, the UK also announced another aviation-related contract with Turkey for the export of 12 C-130 transport aircraft, with a total value exceeding £550 million ($742 million). This further strengthens defense-industrial cooperation between London and Ankara.
The export portfolio also includes smaller but notable contracts, such as the sale of 18 Jackal 3 light mobility vehicles to the Czech Republic. Although not highlighted in the official announcement, earlier disclosures indicate the contract value is approximately $44 million.
Looking ahead, British officials expect defense export volumes to grow even further in the coming years. A key driver is anticipated to be cooperation within the AUKUS partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, particularly Canberra's planned procurement of SSN-AUKUS nuclear-powered attack submarines, which could generate contracts of unprecedented scale for the UK defense industry.
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