The UK’s defence sector is changing fast. Increased government spending has been announced, and organisations must act now to ensure they are prepared for 2026/7. Global tensions, rapid technological advances, and evolving security threats demand a more agile and forward-thinking approach. Defence agencies and contractors face mounting pressure to deliver, but without the right leadership structures in place, they risk falling behind. With major investments on the horizon, the priority is clear: leadership teams must be built to handle today’s demands and tomorrow’s challenges.
Across government departments, public bodies and private sector partners working within the defence space, there’s an urgent need to rethink how leadership teams are structured. It’s no longer just about the traditional senior hierarchy. The real requirement is for a dynamic blend of expertise, flexibility and experience, with leaders who can pivot rapidly between strategic planning and operational execution. This isn’t just about filling vacancies; it’s about ensuring leadership teams are fit for purpose in an environment that demands both stability and adaptability.
Interim executives play a vital role in this mix. Often brought in to lead critical transformation programmes or provide immediate direction during times of uncertainty, they bring specialist expertise without the long-term commitment of a permanent hire. Their ability to integrate quickly and deliver results at pace makes them an invaluable asset, particularly as defence organisations wrestle with short-term capability gaps while preparing for long-term strategic change.
Beyond interims, there’s also a growing need for complete leadership teams to be assembled at speed. Whether a government agency requires an entirely new leadership structure to manage a major programme, or a defence contractor needs an embedded team with deep sector expertise, the ability to build leadership capability quickly and effectively is now a core strategic requirement.
Of course, permanent leaders remain fundamental. Stability at the top ensures continuity and long-term vision, particularly for organisations navigating complex procurement cycles and regulatory requirements. But even here, the profile of a successful defence leader is evolving. It’s no longer enough to have deep operational knowledge; today’s leaders must also be comfortable driving innovation, managing multi-stakeholder partnerships and responding to an ever-changing geopolitical landscape.
Security clearance adds another layer of complexity to leadership appointments in the defence sector. Many senior roles require candidates to hold or be eligible for high-level clearances, which can slow down recruitment processes and limit the available talent pool. For organisations needing to move fast, this means working with specialist recruiters who understand the clearance landscape and can identify candidates with the right mix of credentials and expertise.
The impact of defence leadership restructuring extends beyond the traditional military and security sectors. Adjacent industries such as space, and artificial intelligence (AI) are becoming increasingly critical to the defence ecosystem. The UK’s growing focus on space technology, satellite communications, and AI-driven security solutions means that leadership teams must be equipped to manage cross-sector collaboration and technological integration. Defence organisations will need leaders who understand not only military strategy but also the implications of emerging technologies, from autonomous systems to cybersecurity.
The UK’s increased defence spending is on the horizon, but the planning must start now. Government agencies and contractors cannot afford to wait until 2027 to get leadership structures in place. By acting now to secure the right people – whether interims, contractors, or permanent leaders – organisations can ensure they are prepared for the demands of the future.
At Malikshaw, we specialise in sourcing and assembling high-impact leadership teams for the defence sector. Whether you need a senior interim to drive transformation, a full leadership team to manage a critical programme, or a permanent hire with the right security clearance and expertise, we can help. Get in touch today to start future-proofing your leadership team.
