UK military tech procurement delays: 6.5 years for £20mn+ projects—what’s the cost?

The UK’s military technology procurement process for projects exceeding £20 million is experiencing significant delays, averaging 6.5 years, according to British think tank Chatham House.

Experts warn that these prolonged timelines could hinder the UK’s defense capabilities and innovation. "Britain’s new military tech strategy will fail unless clear pathways to adoption are established," they caution.

Tanya Suarez, leader of the dual-use accelerator Janus, highlights ongoing challenges for startups working with the military, despite government backing.

“Startups will still face major hurdles when working with the military,” Suarez said.

Andriy Dovbenko, founder of the UK-Ukraine TechExchange, emphasizes that funding alone is insufficient for success. He points to Ukraine’s wartime innovation model as a potential blueprint, where President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rapidly integrated startup-developed military technology into defense efforts early in the conflict with Russia.

“Ukraine’s model shows how quickly military tech can be adopted when there is urgency and clear integration,” Dovbenko noted.

The UK’s current procurement delays risk leaving it less prepared in the face of evolving threats, underscoring the need for streamlined processes and better support for innovation.

Key statistic: Military tech procurement takes an average of 6.5 years for projects valued over £20 million.

Without reform, the UK may struggle to keep pace with adversaries who adopt new technologies more rapidly.

UK military technology projects over £20 million face average procurement delays of 6.5 years, raising concerns about the cost and efficiency of defense innovation. Experts warn that without clear adoption pathways and lessons from Ukraine’s wartime tech integration, the UK risks falling behind in military readiness.