AERALIS yesterday submitted its contribution to the UK Government’s ‘root and branch’ Strategic Defence Review (SDR).

Launched in July by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and led by former NATO Secretary-General, Lord Robertson, the SDR began by commissioning written submissions from within the MOD, industry, think tanks and others.

The SDR comes at a time when the Government is tackling a c.£6.9 billion deficit in the UK’s military equipment plans for 2024 through to 2026, while concerns are already being voiced for the readiness of the UK’s armed forces, training pipelines and ongoing ability to support allies overseas during a time of ever-growing threats.

While AERALIS cannot divulge the contents of its submission, it will be to no one’s surprise that in response to these challenges, AERALIS calls for a more innovative, flexible and commercially-minded approach to defence – one that supports emulating commercial models and use of modular and digital engineering to deliver pressing capability needs, domestic growth and export opportunities – all whilst reducing to a minimum the burden on the public purse.

The challenge of budget deficit and military need are not mutually exclusive – we’ve got a solution that helps both at the same time.

“There is a win-win solution for the RAF, MOD and the Treasury on the table,” commented AERALIS founder and CEO, Tristan Crawford. “Our submission sets out a low-cost, low-risk and perpetual route to more cost-effective light jet capability for the UK and our allies, while dramatically improving training pipelines in the process and generating income for UK plc. The challenge of budget deficit and military need are not mutually exclusive – we’ve got a solution that helps both at the same time.”

A period of ‘review and change’ will follow in October and November this year, with reviewers due to submit their final report to Mr Starmer ‘in the first half of 2025’. The outcome of the review will then be published in the spring.