LONDON (Realist English). The Ministry of Defence has signed a £1.5 billion strategic partnership with U.S. technology company Palantir, aiming to boost Britain’s role as a hub for defence innovation.
Defence Secretary John Healey formalised the agreement on Thursday. According to the MoD, Palantir will invest up to £1.5 billion in the UK, create 350 new jobs, and support the development of digital tools and artificial intelligence for military decision-making, targeting and threat response.
As part of the deal, London will serve as the base for Palantir’s European defence business, further establishing Britain as a centre for defence technology across the continent.
The agreement also includes measures to strengthen the UK’s defence tech supply chain. Palantir will mentor and support British start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises, offering assistance with expansion into U.S. markets, including pro bono services.
Officials said the partnership reflects an effort to align defence innovation with broader economic growth, with the MoD describing the initiative as a step toward making “defence an engine for growth.”
