Aerospace Defence Security Space

ADS calls on Holyrood to support aerospace, defence, security and space

Posted 13 October 2025

ADS - the UK trade association for aerospace, defence, security and space - has launched its Manifesto for next year’s Scottish Parliamentary elections, outlining a series of recommendations for the next five years.

Image courtesy ADS

At the heart of the document – developed in conjunction with business – is a partnership between industry and government to develop the business environment, address critical skills shortages, and support national security.

The five core recommendations outlined in ADS’ Manifesto are:

Take decisive action to address skills shortages
Seize the opportunity to demonstrate hydrogen and battery electric flight in Scotland
Demonstrate investment in Scotland’s defence sector, including in munitions
Support technology adoption to deliver a step change in national productivity
Partner with ADS to fully exploit our sectors’ export potential in Scotland

The Scottish aerospace, defence, security and space sectors are already almost 50% more productive than the UK national average and support 36,900 high-quality jobs. With the right political support, however, these sectors can maximise the defence dividend and leverage existing strengths in small satellite manufacturing, shipbuilding and maintenance, repair and overhaul.

Warrick Malcolm, Director of ADS Scotland commented: “For too long, the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors have been under supported, underappreciated and overly stigmatised – in spite of delivering almost 37,000 jobs. With the appropriate support, Scotland is uniquely positioned to become a global leader in defence and advanced manufacturing, if we really want to transform Scotland’s economy, we need to convincingly back our high-growth industries – to deliver on our true potential to both the economy and national security.

“At a time of rising geopolitical uncertainty and rapid technological change, our Manifesto sets out a clear path for Government and industry to collaborate, ensuring Scotland remains at the forefront of innovation, national security and economic progress.

“Industry is calling on the Scottish Government to expand skills provision through new apprenticeship routes and curriculum reform, invest in national security infrastructure, incentivise private investment, and leverage the dual-use capabilities of our sectors. Following these recommendations, our sectors can deliver even greater value for communities across Scotland and the UK as a whole.”

The full list of recommendations put forward to the Scottish Government can be found here.