At the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) and Institut français des relations internationales (IFRI) event on March 5th, Maria Eagle MP, Minister of State for Defence Procurement and Industry, outlined a compelling vision for bolstering the UK-France defence industrial partnership.
Against the backdrop of Russia’s unprovoked war in Ukraine and an increasingly complex global security landscape, Eagle’s speech emphasised the necessity of European nations taking greater responsibility for their own security.
The British government has set an ambitious course to increase defence spending from 2.3% of GDP to 2.5% by 2027, with a longer-term aim of reaching 3% in the next Parliament. This move signaled a clear recognition that security in Europe cannot solely rest on transatlantic partnerships; rather, it must be underpinned by a robust and independent European defence industrial base. As Ms. Eagle rightly pointed out, “a fighting force is only as strong as the industrial base that stands behind it.”
The UK and France, as Europe’s foremost military powers, are uniquely positioned to lead this charge. Their historical alliance, dating back to the Entente Cordiale of 1904, has been instrumental in securing European stability. From joint military interventions to industrial collaboration, this partnership has continually evolved to meet contemporary challenges.
Since the signing of the Lancaster House Treaties in 2010, the UK and France have worked closely on defence matters, particularly in counterterrorism, nuclear deterrence, and hybrid warfare. This cooperation is not been just a matter of shared military interests, but also an economic opportunity, creating jobs and driving technological innovation on both sides of the Channel.
One of the key successes of this partnership has been the integration of industrial capabilities through initiatives such as ‘One MBDA’, ensuring the sustainability of European missile production. Collaborative projects like the Meteor and SCALP/Storm Shadow missiles have already proven their strategic value. Additionally, the co-development of the Future Cruise and Anti-Ship Weapon (FC/ASW) programme is set to deliver Europe’s most advanced deep-strike capabilities, enhancing deterrence against potential aggressors.
Beyond missiles, maritime collaboration has also yielded significant advances. The UK’s imminent delivery of autonomous mine-hunting technology, developed in partnership with Thales, marks another milestone in Anglo-French defence cooperation. These projects reinforce the notion that industrial alliances are not just beneficial but essential for maintaining a credible deterrent.
As Ms. Eagle highlighted, the upcoming UK-France Summit in June presents a pivotal opportunity to elevate defence industrial cooperation beyond its current scope. The idea of an ‘Entente Industrielle’—a strengthened industrial alliance—would place collaborative defence manufacturing at the heart of the UK-France relationship. By expanding joint projects in emerging domains such as space, artificial intelligence, and hybrid warfare, both nations can provide the leadership Europe needs in an increasingly volatile world.
The UK’s forthcoming Defence Industrial Strategy, shaped through extensive consultation with industry stakeholders, will play a critical role in this vision. Eagle’s emphasis on creating new research and industrial ventures with France speaks to a broader ambition: to enhance standardisation, boost interoperability, and develop a more resilient defence supply chain. This aligns with ongoing European and NATO-led initiatives, including the European Long-Range Strike Approach, the DIAMOND air defence programme, and NATO’s Defence Production Action Plan.
The need for enhanced defence industrial cooperation extends beyond economic benefits. As Russia continues its aggression in Ukraine, Europe must strengthen its deterrence capabilities. Collective procurement initiatives, such as those championed by NATO, will ensure that European forces are better equipped, while also maximising efficiency in defence spending—delivering, as Ms. Eagle put it, “more bang for our Pounds and Euros.”
The UK’s call for an ambitious UK-EU security pact is another key element of this strategy. Despite historical divergences over European security architecture, British and French interests have remained fundamentally aligned. Strengthening ties with European defence partners will not only enhance military readiness but also send a clear message to adversaries that Europe stands united against aggression.
Maria Eagle’s speech was more than just a reaffirmation of UK-France defence ties; it was a call to action. As she prepares to meet her French counterpart, Délégué Emmanuel Chiva, at the High-Level UK-France Working Group, there is a renewed determination to place defence industrial cooperation at the forefront of bilateral relations.
The lessons of history are clear. The Entente Cordiale was forged to secure peace in the early 20th century, and today, a revitalised ‘Entente Industrielle’ is needed to guarantee European security in the 21st. If the UK and France succeed in deepening their defence industrial partnership, they will not only strengthen their own security but also provide a stabilising force for the entire continent.
As Europe stands at a crossroads, the path forward is clear: greater defence collaboration, stronger industrial resilience, and a shared commitment to securing a stable and prosperous future. The UK and France have the history, the capability, and the responsibility to lead this charge. Now is the time to act.
