A leading UK defence supplier warns that the absence of a clear plan to boost armed forces spending creates significant investment challenges. Cohort, which operates seven specialist businesses in electronic warfare, sonar, and satellite communications, highlights how uncertainty hampers business decisions.
Growing Frustration Over Delayed Defence Blueprint
Senior military leaders and industry executives express mounting frustration with delays to the defence investment plan. This key document, intended to detail budget allocation, was expected last year but faces repeated postponements amid a reported £28 billion funding shortfall. Ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East intensify the urgency for clarity.
Cohort CEO Outlines Investment Hurdles
Cohort CEO Andrew Thomis states that the lack of an overarching defence investment plan is slowing progress significantly. “At the small end, things like tech-based training we were planning to supply to the UK have been held up,” Thomis explains. “At the very large end, we don’t have a clear plan for some quite large programmes like those defending the UK from the underwater threat.”
He adds, “It is very hard for us to make investment decisions or to understand where future revenue is going to come from in these circumstances.” Thomis emphasizes global instability since 2022, noting broken longstanding rules and unpredictable threats that affect the UK. “Without certainty and long-term ability to plan in the UK, it’s very hard to invest. It’s affecting our ability to export as well.”
Broader Industry Echoes and Government Targets
These concerns align with earlier calls from other sector leaders. In February, BAE Systems CEO Charles Woodburn urged publication of the plan to provide clarity on Ministry of Defence requirements.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer aims to raise defence spending from 2.4% of GDP to 2.5% by April 2027 and 3% following the next election. Last year, NATO leaders, facing pressure, committed to 5% of GDP by 2035. However, government departments clash, with the Treasury resisting detailed timelines to meet these goals.
