IET responds to Spring Statement, emphasising innovation and skills for defence industry growth

19 May, 2025

Baxter acknowledged the government’s vision of making the UK a Defence Industrial Superpower, but she stressed that such ambitions would not be realised without a critical focus on the skills of the workforce. She explained: “However, we will not be able to become a secure, sustainable and resilient Defence Industrial Superpower without the highly skilled engineers and technologists who underpin the advanced manufacturing base. That is why it is critical that government also invests in the skills training and systems to ensure these new technologies are secure and resilient against vulnerabilities.”

The IET’s statement underscores the need for government investment in skills training and systems to ensure that the next generation of engineers are equipped to tackle the complexities of emerging technologies. With the increasing reliance on cutting-edge innovations in defence, Baxter highlighted the importance of ensuring these new technologies are secure, resilient, and protected against potential vulnerabilities.

As the UK looks to strengthen its position as a leader in defence innovation, the IET’s call for a balanced investment in both technology and talent development is a reminder that the country’s ambitions must go hand-in-hand with long-term strategies for skills development to maintain a competitive and secure edge.

https://twitter.com/theiet

https://www.linkedin.com/school/iet/