Experts caution that startups require a 'well-defined route' into the UK's new defense strategy.

      Experts have cautioned that Britain's new military technology strategy may falter unless startups are provided with clear paths to adoption. Their warnings come in light of the government's announcement to increase defense spending to its highest level since the Cold War. Prime Minister Keir Starmer outlined the objectives in the new Strategic Defence Review (SDR), which includes plans to enhance investment in areas like AI, drones, robots, laser weapons, and submarines.

      While the review highlights ambitious goals for military innovation, insiders in defense technology assert that the true challenge lies in converting funding into operational deployment. Tanya Suarez, who leads the dual-use accelerator Janus—supported by the NATO DIANA accelerator, whose COO is scheduled to speak at the TNW Conference this June—expressed concern that startups will continue to encounter significant obstacles when collaborating with the military. She noted that, despite record-high private funding for defense technology, companies still encounter a "wall" when attempting to scale and deploy their innovations.

      "Defense tech startups require a clear pathway from proof of value to adoption," she emphasized.

      The SDR is issued amidst increased geopolitical tensions in Europe, with Russia's ongoing conflict in Ukraine casting a long shadow over the region. Andriy Dovbenko, founder of the UK-Ukraine TechExchange, remarked that the document appropriately identifies Russia as a threat to all of Europe, but cautioned that merely boosting funding will not ensure success. "Simply raising UK defense spending without structural changes won't be effective," Dovbenko stated.

      He pointed to Ukraine's wartime innovation strategy as a potential model. Early in its conflict with Moscow, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy swiftly incorporated military technology developed by startups into the country's defense operations. Local startups now contribute significantly to the front lines with AI-driven reconnaissance tools and affordable drones.

      "World-class defense innovation in Ukraine would not have been possible without significant reforms in the procurement process, which integrated technology startups and scaleups into the heart of the industry," Dovbenko added.

      Defense tech startups often find it challenging to penetrate the traditionally conservative military technology procurement process, which is largely dominated by established contractors or "primes" such as Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Boeing. According to data from the British think tank Chatham House, military tech procurement takes an average of 6.5 years for projects exceeding £20 million.

      While some elements within the SDR indicate a move towards more open innovation and expedited procurement cycles, industry insiders seek clarity on how these changes will be practically applied.

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