Introduction

UK-Based Manufacturing for Defence Innovation

In today’s shifting geopolitical landscape, the UK’s defence industry is under increasing pressure to shorten supply chains, protect intellectual property, and secure access to high-performance components—all while innovating at pace. A resilient domestic manufacturing base is more critical than ever. At Protec Group, we’ve responded to this challenge by investing in hybrid manufacturing capabilities, expanding our CNC machining expertise, and deepening our materials knowledge. As a Make UK Defence member and JOSCAR-accredited supplier, we’re committed to supporting the UK’s defence sector with agile, compliant, and high-precision manufacturing solutions.

Challenges Facing Modern Defence Engineering

Modern defence projects face complex and evolving demands. From aerospace to naval and ground applications, components must be:

• Low-weight but high-strength for performance and mobility
• Dimensionally accurate, often to microns
• Traceable and quality assured, meeting the strictest regulatory standards
• Rapidly developed for prototyping, trials, or urgent operational needs

On top of these technical expectations, suppliers must also meet rigorous compliance, security, and sustainability standards to remain competitive and approved for procurement frameworks.

Benefits of Hybrid Manufacturing for Military Applications

Hybrid manufacturing—where traditional CNC machining is combined with additive processes—unlocks a new level of flexibility and design freedom, particularly for defence applications.

At Protec, we’ve developed an in-house workflow that enables us to:

• Rapidly prototype complex or weight-sensitive components
• Reduce development cycles by eliminating the need for custom tooling
• Consolidate multiple parts into a single geometry, reducing failure points
• Produce short-run, functional parts in specialist materials

This is especially beneficial in R&D phases or in scenarios where form, weight, and functionality need to be balanced quickly without compromising strength or reliability.

Hybrid Manufacturing Article

Precision CNC Machining for Mission-Critical Components

Our core strength lies in multi-axis CNC machining, where we consistently deliver tight-tolerance components in aluminium, steel, titanium, and engineering plastics. Defence customers rely on our ability to:

• Hold tolerances down to ±0.005mm
• Work with aerospace-grade and military-standard materials
• Scale from single prototypes to small production batches
• Provide full material traceability and inspection reports

Whether it’s a machined bracket for an unmanned system or a housing for a sensor assembly, our team applies decades of experience in producing precision components that meet defence specifications.

Composites article

JOSCAR Accreditation: Trusted Defence Supplier

In the defence sector, technical capability is only part of the equation—supply chain confidence is equally vital. That’s why Protec is proud to be fully registered on the JOSCAR (Joint Supply Chain Accreditation Register).

JOSCAR is a trusted accreditation system used by major defence primes and government agencies to pre-qualify suppliers. Our inclusion:

• Confirms our compliance with defence and aerospace procurement standards
• Demonstrates our financial stability, quality management, and ethical practices
• Streamlines procurement, allowing buyers to engage with us quickly and confidently

Combined with our Make UK Defence membership, it reflects our commitment to building trusted partnerships within the UK’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.

Why Protec Group is a Strategic Defence Partner

At Protec Group, we combine cutting-edge technology, engineering depth, and supply chain credibility to support some of the most demanding sectors in UK industry. Whether you’re developing next-generation systems or seeking low-volume production of specialist components, our team is ready to collaborate.

From initial feasibility to final inspection, we offer a seamless service rooted in quality, flexibility, and responsiveness.

Let’s Talk

Looking for a reliable partner for defence manufacturing?
As a JOSCAR-accredited and Make UK Defence member, Protec delivers high-precision components and flexible hybrid manufacturing to support national resilience.
Get in touch with nick.prtak@protecltd.co.uk to discuss your project today.