On 7 August 2026, Defence Secretary Wes Streeting made his first visit to Scotland in the role, touring Babcock's Rosyth facility, where the Royal Navy's Type 31 frigates are being built, and meeting workers and apprentices. According to the Ministry of Defence, the Type 31 programme sustains 2,500 skilled jobs across Scotland and the UK supply chain, including 400 apprenticeships established through partnerships with colleges in Fife and across Scotland. The department said nearly 12,000 jobs in Scotland are supported by defence.

In Edinburgh, Streeting met Service Personnel and families at homes that have benefited from refurbishment works, including a roofing project at Redford Gardens and homes undergoing upgrades at Adams Well Estate. The Government said its planned renewal of Armed Forces housing is backed by £9 billion over the next decade, with 40,000 military homes — 9 in 10 of the total estate — to be upgraded, modernised or rebuilt. A new Defence Housing Service has also been established.

The department said nearly 10,000 Armed Forces personnel are stationed in Scotland. It also cited £26 billion confirmed under the Defence Investment Plan to modernise naval base infrastructure, including £15.1 billion for HMNB Clyde. Babcock CEO Harry Holt said the company was pleased to show progress on the Type 31 programme and looked forward to working with the Ministry of Defence on the investment plan.