History teaches us that nothing accelerates technological progress like war and nowhere is that more apparent today than on the battlefields of Ukraine.
A powerful article this week by Alastair Irvine and his team at Jupiter Asset Management highlights how, through necessity and ingenuity, Ukraine has transformed defence procurement into an agile, fast-moving innovation engine. From drone design cycles of just six weeks, to battlefield-led procurement, and decentralised production hubs, it’s a model that’s forcing NATO and its allies to rethink procurement, speed, and sovereignty.
Meanwhile, the UK’s 2025 Strategic Defence Review promises “radical root-and-branch” reform, but the current pace, 6.5 years for major contract approval, won’t meet the demands of the next fight.
We need:
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Clear accountability and delegated authority for delivery
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Faster, decentralised decision-making
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A procurement culture that rewards speed, adaptation and outcomes
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A whole-of-nation investment mindset, where the City backs innovation in both listed and unlisted sectors
Germany is already rewriting its procurement rulebook. Ukraine is rewriting the playbook entirely.
The message? The UK must stop preparing for peace and start preparing for reality.
It’s time to emulate the urgency of Ukraine and the resolve of Germany — before we find ourselves outpaced, outgunned, and unready.
Read the full article here: https://www.jupiteram.com/uk/en/individual/insights/merlin-weekly-macro-think-like-a-ukrainian/
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