Value of aerospace, defence, security and space to UK up 64% in 10 years

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The industries – explicitly recognised as Growth Sectors in the UK Government’s forthcoming Industrial Strategy – have also seen turnover reach £100 billion, an increase of 57% since 2014. 

The data from the representative body for the industry also highlights that employment has grown a third, with 443,000 people now directly employed in well-paid jobs across the UK. Two thirds of jobs are outside of London and the Southeast, with productivity 42% higher than the UK average. Figures also demonstrate a strong pipeline of young talent across all four sectors, with 26,200 apprenticeships playing a crucial role in the workforce.

Kevin Craven, CEO of ADS Group, commented: “Against an increasing backdrop of geopolitical instability, the UK’s aerospace, defence, security and space sectors remain the industrial bedrock of our advanced manufacturing landscape. In what is our most fruitful economic outlook to date – reflecting contributions of over £42 billion to the UK economy and employing over 440,000 people across the UK – our sectors remain central to the prosperity and security of our nation.”

“There is now a real opportunity to build on this momentum throughout 2025. However, persistent challenges around the geopolitical environment, access to finance, and ongoing supply chain disruption constrain our industry’s enormous potential. It is vital that the government provides the clarity and certainty needed to secure the long-term prosperity of our industries. We eagerly await the Industrial Strategy and correlated Sector Development Plans to support industry in delivering on our true value to the UK economy.”

Increasingly, ADS data highlights the strength of UK exports, with growth of almost half (48%) in the last decade. Exports now total £45.4 billion, and account for 45% of sector turnover. 

Released on the sidelines of the International Paris Air Show, concurrent publications covering the Outlook for the aerospace and defence sectors respectively continues this trend. 

UK Defence exports now total £13.7 billion, with two thirds of those originating from the UK’s military aviation sector. Defence also generates 181,500 jobs in the UK, with that number having grown a third (30%) between 2014 and 2024.

The ADS Aerospace Sector Outlook highlights a 71% growth in productivity over 10 years, to reach £136,200 output per worker in 2024. The sector now adds £13.6 billion to the UK economy, an increase of 49% compared to 2014 figures. 

Industry Minister Sarah Jones said: “Our aerospace, defence, security and space sectors are world-class and this data shows just how important they are to the economy, supporting thousands of good, high-skilled jobs and keeping us at the cutting edge of innovation.

“That’s why our modern Industrial Strategy will back these sectors to reach new heights and give investors the certainty they need for the next decade and beyond.”

The publications can be read as follows: 

• Facts and Figures: https://bit.ly/ADSfacts2025
• Aerospace Outlook: https://bit.ly/ADSaerospaceoutlook2025
• Defence Outlook: https://bit.ly/ADSdefenceoutlook2025