Bloomberg Talks Leonardo UK CEO Clive Higgins Talks Re-Arming Britain
Jun 5, 2025
Clive Higgins, CEO of Leonardo UK, discusses the urgent need for the UK to rebuild its military strength amidst ongoing global conflicts. He highlights the challenges of underinvestment and recruitment issues, while European allies boost their defense spending. Higgins outlines Leonardo's role in key defense projects that promise job creation and the importance of developing skills in the workforce. He also touches on balancing defense initiatives with economic growth, emphasizing the need for local investment and creating valuable intellectual property.
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Defense Transformation Due to Global Conflict
- Global conflicts have heightened awareness of defense needs for the first time in decades.
- Governments are transforming defense to increase pace, agility, and supply chain resilience post-COVID.
UK Defense Spending Challenges
- UK defense spending is rising due to increased threat levels, aiming for 2.5 to 3% of GDP.
- A large portion of the budget is dedicated to sustaining the UK’s nuclear deterrent.
Leonardo UK's Active Programs and Growth
- Leonardo UK leads the ISANCI element of GCAP, creating high-skilled jobs across the UK.
- Multiple current programs, including helicopter and Typhoon support, drive increased workforce demand and capability development.