BAE Systems chief warns UK defence spending is inadequate
UK defence spending “falls well short” of what is required to protect the country, the chief executive of BAE Systems has warned, reports BritPanorama.
Charles Woodburn characterized the current climate as “the most threatening time I’ve seen,” and identified Russia’s military advances, particularly in the context of its war with Ukraine, as a significant concern.
Despite the government announcing an additional £15 billion for defence in June, then-defence secretary John Healey resigned, citing inadequate military funding as a key issue. At the time, Mr. Healey informed Sir Keir Starmer that he had been “unable, and the Treasury has been unwilling, to commit the resources that the nation needs to defend the country at this time of rising threats.”
Mr. Woodburn reiterated that the extra funding still “falls well short of what is needed to protect the country.” In comments to the BBC, he expressed alarm over the evolving nature of threats since he joined the company in 2016, including Russian naval activities and cyber attacks.
“I think that’s come a long way sadly as a result of the Ukraine conflict; we’re much more aware of the proximity of a hot war in Europe,” he remarked.
He observed that modern warfare has “changed quite profoundly,” highlighting how both Russia and Ukraine have become “incredibly adept” at employing drones and counter-drone tactics.
“It’s something that we now have to really understand and make sure that we’re able to provide the capabilities that can counter that and deter aggression,” he added.
The context surrounding these comments includes accusations from Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs against the UK government, alleging “complicity in the crime of aggression and war crimes” by permitting US operations from British bases.
While the UK government has refrained from engaging in offensive military actions against Iran, it has permitted the US to conduct defensive strikes from British facilities hosting American troops. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has upheld the previous agreement allowing US access to bases like RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.
Junior housing minister Sally Jameson supported the prime minister’s stance, asserting that the government “will always act within the best interests of our national security and the interests of the British people.”
She further remarked, “I think that’s the right position for the moment because the British government always makes sure that our interests are protected, our defences are protected, and that British citizens that are living abroad and living in that region are kept safe,” during an interview on Sky News.
Following recent developments, shares in BAE Systems rose by 3.25%, with other defence firms experiencing similar gains after Mr. Healey’s appointment as chancellor on Monday, bolstering expectations for increased defence spending.
Mr. Woodburn expressed optimism, stating, “The fact that he understands the requirements of defence we see as a very positive thing.”
This week, BAE Systems announced that the Ministry of Defence has awarded it a £708 million contract extension to further develop a next-generation combat aircraft.
New Defence Secretary Wes Streeting emphasized that “This investment in advanced combat air technology for the UK Armed Forces will strengthen our defence and deterrence, and shows our clear commitment to backing British workers with our defence investment, creating jobs and supporting communities across the UK.”
