UK composite manufacturing defence by Carbon ThreeSixty

Chippenham, UK – June 16, 2025 – Carbon ThreeSixty, a leading design and manufacturer of advanced composite components, is set to play a pivotal role in the revitalisation and growth of the UK composite manufacturing industry following the release of the Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) Strategic Defence Review (SDR) 2025.The review, titled “Making Britain Safer – Secure at Home, Strong Abroad.”  outlines an ambitious vision for a new partnership with SMEs, focusing on innovation, job creation, and bolstering the nation’s defence capabilities.

The SDR 2025 emphasises radical reform of procurement processes and a significant “defence dividend” aimed at driving innovation at a wartime pace. This commitment directly aligns with Carbon ThreeSixty’s expertise in developing and manufacturing high-performance, lightweight composite structures crucial for modern defence applications.

Key initiatives within the review that present substantial opportunities for Carbon ThreeSixty and the broader UK manufacturing sector include:

• Increased Investment: A new £11 billion ‘Invest’ annual budget under the National Armaments Directorate (NAD) will fund front-line forces and directly grow the UK industrial base. This sustained increase in defence spending is designed to attract private finance, fostering world-leading scale-up and dual-use technology companies, a category in which Carbon ThreeSixty firmly sits.
• Focus on Advanced Capabilities: The review highlights a move towards warfighting readiness and significant investment in cutting-edge technologies, including drones, data, digital warfare, and autonomous systems. Carbon ThreeSixty’s advanced materials are fundamental to the performance and efficiency of these next-generation defence assets, enabling lighter, stronger, and more capable platforms.
• Domestic Production and Job Creation: Plans to build up to 7,000 new long-range weapons in the UK are projected to support approximately 800 jobs, underscoring a commitment to onshore manufacturing. This initiative, alongside a £1 billion investment in a new Digital Targeting Web, reinforces the demand for a robust and innovative UK supply chain.
• Driving Exports and Prosperity: The establishment of a new Defence Exports Office within the MOD signals a clear intent to boost exports to allies and stimulate domestic growth. Carbon ThreeSixty’s innovative products have significant export potential, contributing to the UK’s economic prosperity and global influence.

“The Strategic Defence Review 2025 marks a transformative moment for UK manufacturing and defence,” says Ed Allnutt. “The MOD’s commitment to partnering with industry, investing in advanced technologies, and prioritising domestic capabilities creates an immense opportunity for companies like ours. Our expertise in high-performance composites is directly relevant to the strategic objectives outlined in the review, from enhancing the performance of future platforms to strengthening the UK’s industrial resilience.”

Carbon ThreeSixty is well-positioned to contribute to the SDR’s vision by providing critical advanced material solutions that enhance the UK’s defence capabilities, drive innovation, and support the creation of skilled jobs across the country. This strategic alignment promises a period of significant growth and contribution for both Carbon ThreeSixty and the wider UK manufacturing industry.

For more details on The Strategic Defence Review 2025, please refer to the official document: The Strategic Defence Review 2025