ABSTRACT
This chapter demonstrates the technology of all types i.e., central to notions of defence in the United Kingdom (UK). It explains the consideration of the historical role of technology in defence since the end of the Second World War. The chapter discusses the changes in roles and commitments in research and development funding in government and the private sector and the importance of science and technology to the defence effort. People in defence frequently use phrases such as research and development or science and technology, often using them interchangeably. UK defence expenditure has steadily decreased from the historic level of approximately 7 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 1955–1956, to about 4 per cent in 1990–1991, at the end of the Cold War. Of interest, the commitment to spend 2 per cent of GDP on defence is facilitated by significant alterations the criteria used to calculate the UK defence budget that is reported to North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.
