AtkinsRéalis responds to UK Defence Investment Plan

Responding to the plan, David Clark, AtkinsRéalis Global Market Lead - Defence, said:

"The Defence Investment Plan gives industry more clarity on Government priorities. But reaching the target of 3.5% of GDP on core defence by 2035 will require sustained funding over multiple years, and yet more difficult decisions at the next spending review.

With the promised funding announced today below what the MoD identified as necessary, and the systems that underpin defence - procurement, planning, engineering capacity - still slow and fragmented, the need to deliver more from every pound becomes more pressing.

Much of the infrastructure behind modern defence, from dockyards to digital systems, is already under strain, and new platforms only deliver if the estate, supply chain and workforce can support them. The pace of modernisation will depend on industry and government working differently: through earlier collaboration, integrated delivery, and procurement that is faster and more efficient.

Better use of technology and a more joined-up approach in shared areas such as nuclear will be just as critical, as competition for skilled people is already intense.

There’s a real risk that this spending won’t translate into real-world capability at the pace we need - or enable the UK to retain a balanced force able to meet a range of threats.”

Notes to editors

AtkinsRéalis is a strategic supplier to the UK defence market, having worked with defence organisations for decades to support the delivery of major programmes across land, maritime, air and joint environments. Through the Engineering Delivery Partnership for Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), AtkinsRéalis provides essential engineering support for the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force. Its portfolio also includes supporting Babcock International at Devonport Royal Dockyard – a critical maintenance facility for the Royal Navy’s nuclear-powered submarines – and helping to shape the UK’s Future Combat Air System. 

About AtkinsRéalis

Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engineering services and nuclear company dedicated to engineering a better future for our planet and its people. We create sustainable solutions that connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. We deploy global capabilities locally to our clients and deliver unique end-to-end services across the whole life cycle of an asset including consulting, advisory & environmental services, intelligent networks & cybersecurity, design & engineering, procurement, project & construction management, operations & maintenance, decommissioning and capital. The breadth and depth of our capabilities are delivered to clients in strategic sectors such as Engineering Services, Nuclear and Capital.  News and information are available at www.atkinsrealis.com or follow us on LinkedIn