UK’s ground-based air defence effort remains in assessment phase after third industry day

The United Kingdom's plan to invest £1.5 billion in ground-based air defence remains in the assessment and market-engagement phase. A third Market Interest Day was held in February to update industry and gather feedback as officials refine requirements spanning short-range air defence, medium-range systems and specialist counter-drone capabilities. The programme aims to rebuild layered protection for deployed forces and domestic sites while examining available sensors, effectors and integration options. No preferred supplier, missile or gun system has been chosen, and the government has not published procurement quantities, contract values by segment or a firm fielding timetable.