Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Defence Exports to Global Allies

Monday 15 May 2023 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The UK Department is strengthening its position in defence exports by diversifying its exports and target markets.
  • Enhanced kinetic energy munitions are expected to be recognised as world-leading and will be promoted for export potential.
  • The MOD is working with UK industry to support export campaigns in Brazil, including for the MBDA common anti-air modular missile.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Marco Longhi
Defence Business & Trade
Context

The question arises from the need for the UK to maintain its industrial resilience and capacity through robust defence export programmes.

Question

What steps has his Department taken to support defence exports to global allies?

Answer from James Cartlidge

The UK scores highly in the global rankings for defence exports, which create jobs and prosperity across the country. Through the defence and security industrial strategy, the department is strengthening its position by diversifying its exports and target markets, and by collaborating more closely with industry.

Partly answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Paul Holmes Con Hamble Valley
Defence Business & Trade
Context

There is an important collaboration between the UK and Germany on developing advanced tank ammunition that supports compatibility within NATO.

Question

What export potential does this new capability have?

Answer from James Cartlidge

Enhanced kinetic energy munitions are a key part of the Challenger 3 and Leopard 2 main battle tanks programmes, delivering battle-winning capabilities to UK and German armed forces. Their advanced performance is expected to be recognised as world-leading and will be promoted for export potential to NATO and other allies.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q3 Marco Longhi
Defence Business & Trade
Context

There is a successful defence export deal with Poland worth £1.9 billion for missiles, and the possibility of strengthening UK's defence ties with Brazil.

Question

Does he agree that significantly strengthening our defence and security relationship with Brazil can increase exports to that country?

Answer from James Cartlidge

The MOD is working closely with UK industry in supporting Energy UK's export campaign, including campaigns for the MBDA British-designed common anti-air modular missile. A positive relationship exists with Brazil and efforts are ongoing to support their equipment capability shortfalls and development requirements.

Partly answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email