# UK MOD Expands Defence Investment

The UK Defence Investment Plan allocates £298 billion to defence from 2026/27 through 2029/30, and the government aims to increase Ministry of Defence spending with SMEs by £2.5 billion by May 2028. At a House of Commons Defence Committee hearing, ADS Chief Executive Kevin Craven said industry needs clearer funded programme commitments, more acquisition detail and a predictable long-term spending path to plan investment. Willis has also launched a defence unit, reflecting demand for insurance and risk-management capabilities as suppliers address cyber, liability, contractual and operational exposures.

- Contractors and suppliers can use the plan’s spending horizon and SME target to assess where their capabilities may fit, while recognizing that specific programme commitments and acquisition details remain a stated industry concern.
- UK SMEs and prospective suppliers should assess how the planned increase in MOD spending could affect their route into defence supply chains; the government’s stated target is May 2028.
- Defence businesses can evaluate insurance and risk-management needs across cyber, liability, contractual and operational exposures as they pursue supply-chain work.
- Contractors seeking international opportunities can consider the NATO Support and Procurement Agency channels identified in the signal.

**Jurisdictions:** international
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** October 23, 2026

### Government Entities
- UK Ministry of Defence (MOD)
- UK Government
- House of Commons Defence Committee
- NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA)

### Vendors
- Willis ()

### Key Quotes
> It’s critical for our allies, critical for the UK that we have that certainty.
> — Kevin Craven, Chief Executive of ADS

### Sources
- [Willis launches defence unit as UK spending hits £298 billion plan | Insurance Business](https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/uk/news/breaking-news/willis-launches-global-defense-practice-as-canadas-military-spending-surges-594693.aspx) - Insurance Business
- [UK DIP must provide clarity for industry, says ADS chief](https://www.adsadvance.co.uk/uk-dip-deliver-clarity-industry-ads-chief) - ADS Advance