Six ways AWE is driving forward the Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS)
Earlier this year, the Government announced a £15 billion investment in its nuclear warhead programme of which AWE plays a critical role. Now, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has set out a clear vision in the Defence Industrial Strategy 2025 (DIS) to strengthen the UK’s defence sector as a driver of economic growth, technological innovation, and industrial resilience.
Here’s how AWE is contributing to each of the six key outcomes outlined in the report.
- Making Defence an Engine for Growth
We are investing in modern infrastructure, including the Future Materials Campus, and creating thousands of high-value jobs across the UK. In 2024, we welcomed 267 apprentices, supporting the national skills agenda and building future capability in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Our STEM Ambassadors play a key role in inspiring the next generation.
We support the Government’s Defence Growth Deals and the £182 million skills package, contributing to regional economic development and the creation of technical excellence hubs.
- Backing UK-based Businesses
AWE partners with UK suppliers and Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to deliver critical capability. Through major procurement events such as Defence Procurement, Research, Technology & Exportability (DPRTE), we help open access to our supply chain, supporting the Government’s ambition to increase MOD spend with SMEs by £2.5 billion by 2028.
We align with the MOD SME Action Plan and support the development of resilient regional supply chains, ensuring that UK-based businesses are central to our delivery model.
- Positioning the UK at the Leading Edge of Defence Innovation
From the Astraea warhead programme to advanced materials research, AWE is pushing the boundaries of nuclear science. Our collaborations with universities and participation in innovation accelerators align with the MOD’s focus on emerging technologies including AI, autonomy, and quantum computing.
Through experimentation and investing in proven innovation mechanisms, AWE will explore opportunities for improvement and transformation. We will encourage collaboration with partners to mature opportunities from idea to delivering impact.
- Developing a Resilient UK Industrial Base
AWE safeguards sovereign capability, maintains critical nuclear expertise and builds strong relationships with supply chains to ensure we are able to respond to future challenges with confidence. Our work supports the DIS’s goal of a robust, responsive, and secure defence industrial base.
- Transforming Procurement and Acquisition Systems
We’re modernising procurement through digital tools and long-term supplier engagement, delivering speed, transparency, and value for the taxpayer.
We are proud to announce the approval of the Capital Configuration Management Strategy, a major milestone in ensuring we deliver on our mission. Configuration Management is central to our digital transformation to ensure long-term resilience and future capability across production and our infrastructure.
We support the planned reform of MOD’s Acquisition Pipeline that will provide industry with a five-year forecast of planned procurements. This will give our industry partners greater confidence and will enable them to support us better in our mission.
- Forging New and Enduring Partnerships
Collaboration with academia, SMEs, and international partners is central to our mission. Our strategic alliances accelerate research, innovation, and best practice, delivering novel solutions to real-world challenges. We recently welcomed the University of Manchester as a Strategic Alliance partner, strengthening our contribution to the national skills agenda and wider UK academia.
