ADS surpasses 2,000 member organisations for the first time

ADS has surpassed 2,000 member organisations for the first time, following a record year of membership growth across the UK’s aerospace, defence, security and space sectors.

The trade association welcomed more than 400 new organisations during 2025, with its membership now spanning companies of all sizes across the four sectors it represents.

More than 90% of ADS members are small and medium-sized enterprises, reflecting the depth of the UK supply chain and the role SMEs play across aerospace, defence, security and space.

Alongside strong recruitment, ADS has maintained a member retention rate of 90%. Its most recent member survey also recorded an increase in Net Promoter Score from 46 to 54.

ADS membership growth reflects sector confidence

Ashley Gasson, director of membership and communications at ADS, said: “We are delighted to have surpassed 2,000 member organisations for the first time. It’s a powerful vote of confidence in ADS and reflects the ambition and growing opportunities across the UK’s aerospace, defence, security and space sectors.

“While welcoming more than 400 new members over the past year is a fantastic achievement, our focus has always been on delivering value for the businesses we already represent.

“We are proud to support a growing membership and will continue to create opportunities that help our members grow, build new connections and raise their profile across our industries.”

ADS members prepare for Farnborough International Airshow

The milestone comes as ADS members prepare for Farnborough International Airshow, where more than 225 member organisations are set to exhibit.

That represents an increase of more than 40% compared with the previous airshow, underlining the scale of member participation at one of the sector’s most important international events.

Farnborough International, the events business responsible for Farnborough International Airshow, is a wholly owned subsidiary of ADS Group.