Uk Defence Equipment And Support

Corporate Plan 2025 to 2026: Strategic Priorities for Defence Equipment and Support

The UK Ministry of Defence's Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) published its Corporate Plan for financial year 2025 to 2026. The plan outlines three strategic priorities: supporting UK operations, Ukraine, and the continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent; implementing the new DE&S operating model alongside wider Defence Reform and the Strategic Defence Review; and delivering equipment programme priorities for UK Armed Forces by accelerating time to contract. The plan is framed around the 'Today, Tomorrow, Together' strategy.

DE&S Annual Report and Accounts 2024 to 2025

Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) published its eleventh annual report and accounts covering the year ending 31 March 2025. The report reflects DE&S performance and operating costs as a Bespoke Trading Entity launched in April 2014. For the eighth consecutive year, DE&S received an unqualified audit opinion from the National Audit Office, confirming robust management systems and processes.

UK Successfully Trials High-Altitude Balloons for ISR Missions Under Project AETHER

The UK Ministry of Defence announced successful trials of high-altitude balloons capable of conducting intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions as part of Project AETHER. The balloons, developed by UK company Voltitude in partnership with Landguard Systems and US company Aerostar, operated at altitudes of 60,000 to 80,000 feet and demonstrated near-continuous coverage for nearly a month as a constellation. Trials took place in South Dakota, USA earlier in 2025.

UK Hands Over Final Modernised Rehabilitation Wards to Ukraine Armed Forces Under Project Renovator

The UK has completed the final handover of five modernised medical rehabilitation wards to Ukraine's Armed Forces under Project Renovator, a NATO-funded initiative. The two-year project, delivered by Defence Equipment and Support and Defence Medical Services, increased bed capacity by 250 beds and delivered over 21,000 items of equipment. Norway, Sweden, Lithuania and Latvia have joined the project alongside the UK.

ISAC Provides Defence Contractors Security and Business Continuity Guidance

The Industry Security Assurance Centre (ISAC) within the Ministry of Defence provides defence contractors with security and business continuity policy and guidance. ISAC assists UK companies in obtaining Facility Security Clearance (FSC) and Industry Personnel Security Assurance (IPSA) status when contractually required for classified material. The updated guidance covers security vetting, international visit clearances through IVCO, and awareness of terrorism and espionage threats.