The Future of UK Defence Tech:
Autonomous Weapons, Security Privatisation, and the Threat of an Arms Race
May 14, 2025 - Written by Sharmin Miah
Introduction
The United Kingdom is entering a new chapter in its defence strategy, marked by an increasing reliance on autonomous weapons and AI-driven systems. This shift reflects wider trends in modern warfare, where traditional military strategies are becoming secondary to technological innovation. Central to this is the UK’s recent partnership with Anduril Industries, a US-founded defence technology firm that is known for its cutting-edge autonomous systems.
This deal comes among the backdrop of the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, a conflict that has reshaped the regional security landscape of Europe. Since its onset in 2022, the UK has been one of Ukraine’s most active supporters, providing billions in aid, advanced weapons, and intelligence support. Alongside testing the resilience of Western alliances, this war has accelerated the adoption of emerging military technologies.
As the UK deepens its defence collaboration with firms like Anduril to support Ukraine, questions arise on the implications of this technological pivot. While the integration of autonomous systems can enhance security and defend Ukraine, it risks fuelling a security dilemma and an arms race in the region. This deal poses a further question about the privatisation of security. What impact does the outsourcing of military aid have on national security and political influence?
The security dilemma is central to the study of foreign policy and international relations. It “describes how the actions that one state takes to make itself more secure - building armaments, putting military forces on alert, forming new alliances - tend to make other states less secure and lead them to respond in kind. The result is a tightening spiral of hostility that leaves neither side better off than before.” With both parties steadily developing their weapons for war, instability can spread to the surrounding region and threaten regional peace.
The multiple consequences of this collaboration highlight a strategic shift in UK defence technology and convey the changing nature of European politics.
The Nature Of The UK Government’s Deal with Anduril
The recent £30 million deal between Anduril and the UK government to supply Ukraine with advanced drones marks a shift not only in the ongoing UK support for Ukraine, but in the use of autonomous weapons in modern warfare. The UK’s commitment to supporting Ukraine is evident in its defense spending, building on its previous £2.26 billion loan and air defence missiles. Since March 2025, the UK has committed £15 billion for Ukraine through several means, including military, non-military, diplomacy, and trade. The latest collaboration with Anduril conveys the dedication to enhance Ukraine’s defence capabilities against Russia. Anduril aims to make a factory in the UK to further embed its presence and produce most of the autonomous weapons. The Defence Secretary stated that the government does not intend to expand the military in terms of personnel, thus recognising the reliance on autonomous systems that eliminate the human factor.
Anduril Industries took inspiration from the capabilities of the US armed forces, believing that crippling bureaucratic procedures have stagnated what once was the epitome of innovative commercial technology. Recognising the significance of software in modern and future weapons, Anduril states that only superior military technology can deter war. This firm is leading the way in defence technology and Anduril’s presence in the UK symbolises the entrenchment of AI warfare in the region. Having already provided over 10,000 drones to Ukraine’s Armed Forces, the UK has dedicated much of its efforts to achieve lasting peace in the region.
Defence Secretary John Healey visits Anduril in Washington DC. Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/advanced-attack-drones-for-ukraine-in-new-deal-struck-by-uk-government-and-anduril-uk
The UK’s Increasing Reliance On Autonomous Weapons
The deal marks a significant milestone in the country’s shift towards using autonomous weapons. Autonomous weapons, which act independently of human control, are being increasingly used in modern warfare to align with new military doctrines focussed on adaptability and operational efficiency in the Information Age. Ukraine and Russia are not the only rivals utilising autonomous weapons against each other. Israel has deployed AI surveillance in Palestine, while Turkey has utilised drone strikes in Syria. Modernisation and the pace of technological change has ushered out the Industrial Age of platforms and brought in an Information Age of systems.
This is explicitly supported by the government’s Integrated Operating Concept 2025 (IOpC). The IOpC recognises the need for the UK to enhance modern systems to match and defeat rivals by making it clear that future conflicts will be dominated by technological superiority and information advantage. To prepare for this, the UK recognises and enables the future of AI warfare. Through these strategic recommendations, the UK shows commitment to retaining private investors, urging the Ministry of Defence to stress the importance of AI and autonomous weapons.
The IOpC recommends that the MoD should catch the US wave and upgrade defence technology, embracing AI-driven systems to emulate the success of the US armed forces. The UK-Anduril collaboration aligns with this, highlighting the UK’s shift towards autonomous weapons in defence strategy. Anduril is a key stakeholder, enabling the UK to strategically position itself at the forefront of NATO defence leadership whilst supporting Ukraine. This deal reduces human footprint and embeds homegrown innovation, however, the government recognises that fully autonomous weapons without any human involvement would be dangerous and unacceptable. Despite this, AI-driven systems are being increasingly used in warfare, gradually reducing the need for personnel. Considering the UK’s military is “too small”, the adoption of autonomous systems is beneficial. Whilst bolstering military capabilities and preparing for future warfare, the UK’s collaboration with Anduril poses concerns for regional stability.
Risks Of An Arms Race And A Security Dilemma
A significant implication of the UK-Anduril supply of attack drones to Ukraine is the possibility of instigating an arms race or security dilemma. While Ukraine expands non-personnel weaponry to aid its efforts against Russia, regional security can be threatened. Russia uses arms control as a disposable tool to enhance its position vis-à-vis Ukraine, viewing it as an element of a broader Western-dominated security order which it aims to overturn. Evidently, Russia appears less concerned with arms controls and this deal could accelerate its drone and cyber developments.
Additionally, the risk of a security dilemma is on the rise as Russia may respond to Ukrainian efforts with the same actions. As a major power with an internationally unfavourable reputation, Russia’s military expansion could trigger neighbouring states to act in kind to increase their security, resulting in a heightened state of hostility in the region.
A solution to this is a ceasefire and diplomatic peace agreements since mutual mistrust lies at the heart of any security dilemma. Russia and Ukraine have previously issued calls for ending the conflict with non-negotiable terms knowing that either side is likely to reject it. Mistrust will likely remain, however, to limit further escalation and destruction, both parties could negotiate arms control treaties through their allies. Though this move intends to ensure lasting peace and prevent any return to Russian aggression, it can do the opposite.
In keeping pace with the growing AI trends, the UK is becoming a key player in this global shift. The security risk is high, yet it presents the opportunity to bolster the UK’s regional and global position whilst assisting an ally.
Assessing The Impact Of Autonomous Weapons On Ukraine
A key point of analysis is the extent to which the Anduril collaboration, and military aid more generally, positively impacts Ukraine’s war fighting capabilities. The use of autonomous weapons is increasing in modern warfare. Despite possibly prompting an arms race and a security dilemma, this military aid can enhance Ukraine’s defence capabilities by providing systems that can better adapt to the constantly changing battlefield conditions.
Negating the argument of a security dilemma, Russia may not retaliate to this move. The economic factors, like the absence of resources resulting from sanctions and exhaustion from war, could cause Russia to refrain from ambitious expansion of weapons and alternatively seek limitations. This is not to say that NATO should not prepare for the lack of arms control with Russia in the future. Ukraine and NATO allies should foresee a turbulent end to the war, ensuring legal codes and human rights are consistently upheld on their side.
Whilst the US has paused its aid in the wake of the Trump-Zelenskyy row in March 2025, the UK has consistently given support to Ukrainian efforts, insisting that Ukraine’s security is the UK’s security.
The weapons provided by Anduril can equip Ukraine with a strategic advantage by enhancing real-time reconnaissance and surveillance, particularly significant as US aid has revoked Ukraine’s access to satellite imagery. This makes targeted UK aid in this area increasingly vital. While the proliferation of AI-powered systems can raise concerns about arms control, Ukraine’s relationship with the UK, NATO, and Western allies can mitigate this risk. With coordinated support and joint technological development, Ukraine is positioned to harness this and maintain stability through allied deterrence.
“The UK Royal Air Force’s new StormShroud drone has been designed to support F-35B Lightning and Typhoon pilots by “blinding enemy radars” (UK Royal Air Force)”. Source: https://breakingdefense.com/2025/05/uk-welcomes-new-stormshroud-autonomous-drones/
The Privatisation Of Security
This deal exemplifies a component of the IOpC which states that the UK should retain private investors to enhance MoD capabilities. Similarly, the Integrated Review reflects on the conflict in Ukraine, stating the importance of engagement with the private sector and dialogue between partners. However, the reliance on private firms for outsourcing drone development transfers part of the nation’s defence capabilities onto private actors. Through this, Anduril is one of many private firms that are contributing to military operations and geopolitical strategies. Weapons manufacturers are being hired by the MoD not only for exporting, but Anduril’s base within the UK further anchors the country to private investors.
What impact does this have on security and political influence?
One implication is reduced state accountability and control. The UK government has provided arms to countries such as Yemen, despite the overwhelming evidence of breaches of humanitarian law. The waging of war has been privatised for decades. The British state is becoming increasingly reliant on private actors as AI-enabled warfare is transforming the global military landscape. By outsourcing military capabilities, it will be difficult to hold the UK government accountable for misconduct or human rights violations. This exposes the UK to reputational harm, potentially undermining the public diplomacy of the British government and military.
As this collaboration marks a shift in UK defence strategy, it is part of a wider modernisation agenda. The deployment of advanced weapons aids Ukraine by improving combat capabilities and providing cutting-edge surveillance. While promoting regional stability, this also strengthens the UK’s global leadership in defence technology and fosters growth in the domestic technology sector.
Conclusion
The Information Age is being facilitated by embracing AI-driven systems in warfare. The UK-Anduril collaboration to supply Ukraine with advanced attack drones has multiple intersectional points of analysis that should be viewed jointly.
Whilst advancing Ukraine’s defence against Russia, it can elicit an arms race or a security dilemma that can be mitigated only through peace agreements and a ceasefire. Simultaneously, the integration of smart autonomous systems signals an important shift in UK defence strategy. Modern warfare emphasises operational efficiency, speed, and adaptability. These are achieved through smart defence technologies, which the MoD is prioritising as seen through the IOpC.
In the background of this issue is the serious concern of the privatisation of security and corporate influence on geopolitics. The reduced state accountability results in ethical concerns as military capabilities are outsourced to private arms firms.
This deal could lead to a new wave of arms escalation driven by AI, nevertheless, it has the potential to transform the balance of power. By introducing and stressing innovation in military technologies, present-day combat can be reshaped to adapt to the future of warfare.
Smart systems in warfare is a dual-edged sword that can enhance security whilst enabling regional hostility. To tackle these issues, the UK government should take measures to ensure transparency and balance ethical responsibility with technological innovation.