General Atomics

Babcock supporting one in every 550 jobs in the UK

New independent research by Oxford Economics reveals how defence company Babcock International Group (Babcock) drives growth across the UK economy through jobs, investment in the supply chain, and tax contributions.

Image courtesy Babcock International Group 

The Oxford Economics report published today shows the FTSE 100 company made a total contribution of £4.3 billion to UK GDP in FY2024, a significant increase of £1 billion since FY2022. For every £1 spent with Babcock on UK defence, £3 goes back into the UK economy. 
 
Over the last two years, Babcock has substantially grown the number of UK jobs that it supports to 67,000 across the country, equivalent to one in every 550 jobs in the UK. 
 
Other key findings include: 
Significant impact on the UK’s regional economies, including over 12,000 staff directly employed in the South West of England and 5,400 in Scotland   
1,800 people being trained through Babcock’s graduate and apprenticeship programmes 
An estimated total tax contribution of £1.1 billion to the UK Exchequer, directly and indirectly 
£550 million spent with UK Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs), supporting more than 3,800 businesses
 
David Lockwood, Chief Executive of Babcock, said:

“We are proud of the role we play across the country.
 
“Babcock doesn’t just help protect the UK; we are helping to drive prosperity. 
 
At this critical time for national security, our highly experienced teams play a key role in developing sovereign capabilities to create a safe and secure world, together with our wider industry colleagues and partners.
 
“We are investing in infrastructure, technology, and skills that we need today to bolster the growth of our business for tomorrow. This commitment to our customers and continuous investment in our people is making us a better business. We are determined to continue supporting the communities we work in whilst delivering the capabilities our armed forces need to keep the country safe.” 
 
Rt Hon Maria Eagle MP, Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, said:
 
“Babcock is a fantastic example of how defence is an engine for growth, creating jobs across the nation. 
 
“The company supports thousands of skilled jobs across the South-West and Scotland and invests in British SMEs, building up local communities and developing talent through graduate and apprenticeship programmes. 
 
“Our Defence Industrial Strategy will help direct more defence spending to British-based firms, such as Babcock, boosting defence jobs in every nation and region.”
 

Related

IndiGo suspends Manchester flights as airspace restrictions push up costs
MAG Manchester Mumbai IndiGo
IndiGo suspends Manchester flights as airspace restrictions push up costs
IndiGo has temporarily suspended flights from Manchester to Delhi and Mumbai, blaming longer flight times, airspace restrictions and rising operating costs.
Aerospace

2 Sep 2026

RAF Air Command becomes Air and Space Command as Britain elevates military space operations
An RAF-operated Typhoon FGR4 is displayed alongside two Storm Shadow ALCMs during an event at RAF Marham, Norfolk, on 1 September 2019. Image: MOD Crown Copyright/SAC Simon Armstrong
RAF Air Command becomes Air and Space Command as Britain elevates military space operations
With the growing importance of military space operations, the new name reflects the widening remit of the RAF’s primary operational division.
Aerospace Defence

1 Sep 2026

TEKEVER acquires Edinburgh-based Flowcopter
FIA 2026
TEKEVER acquires Edinburgh-based Flowcopter
The move is designed to expand TEKEVER's autonomous capabilities with advanced propulsion technology.
Serco awarded RAF Fylingdales early warning radar contract
RAF Fylingdales
Serco awarded RAF Fylingdales early warning radar contract
As part of the contract, a new software analytical tool developed by Serco - with the RAF and UK Space Command - is set to enhance RAF Fylingdales' detection and tracking system.
ALL.​SPACE to support adaptive space manufacturing for US Department of War DIU
ALL.SPACE sat comms
ALL.​SPACE to support adaptive space manufacturing for US Department of War DIU
In an effort to improve space manufacturing readiness and deployment of resilient solutions, the US Department of War Innovation Unit (DIU) has contracted ALL.​SPACE to assist in its rapid delivery of mission-critical multi-orbit satellite comms capabilities.
UK can’t assume wartime ship requisition will guarantee access to sealift, new report warns
A Royal Navy-operated Merlin HM4 hovers over the deck of the sanctioned Cameroonian-flagged crude oil tanker and suspected Russian 'shadow fleet' vessel, Smyrtos, during a maritime interdiction mission to seize the vessel on 14 June 2026. Image: MOD Crown Copyright/Royal Navy
UK can’t assume wartime ship requisition will guarantee access to sealift, new report warns
The UK may be able to requisition commercial vessels in a crisis, but modern shipping networks mean access to crews, specialist skills and support services is far from guaranteed.
Defence

2 Sep 2026

Serco awarded RAF Fylingdales early warning radar contract
RAF Fylingdales
Serco awarded RAF Fylingdales early warning radar contract
As part of the contract, a new software analytical tool developed by Serco - with the RAF and UK Space Command - is set to enhance RAF Fylingdales' detection and tracking system.
ALL.​SPACE to support adaptive space manufacturing for US Department of War DIU
ALL.SPACE sat comms
ALL.​SPACE to support adaptive space manufacturing for US Department of War DIU
In an effort to improve space manufacturing readiness and deployment of resilient solutions, the US Department of War Innovation Unit (DIU) has contracted ALL.​SPACE to assist in its rapid delivery of mission-critical multi-orbit satellite comms capabilities.
Teledyne passes 1,000 sensors in orbit with NASA Roman Telescope launch
The infrared focal plane with H4RG-10 detector
Teledyne passes 1,000 sensors in orbit with NASA Roman Telescope launch
The launch of NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope marks a major milestone for Teledyne, whose detector technology will enable the mission to investigate dark energy, hunt for exoplanets and survey billions of galaxies.
Member News Space

1 Sep 2026

Serco awarded RAF Fylingdales early warning radar contract
RAF Fylingdales
Serco awarded RAF Fylingdales early warning radar contract
As part of the contract, a new software analytical tool developed by Serco - with the RAF and UK Space Command - is set to enhance RAF Fylingdales' detection and tracking system.
Royal Navy support ship programme reaches key milestone at Appledore
Three Fleet Solid Support vessels being delivered for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary through a partnership between Navantia UK, BMT and Harland & Wolff.
Royal Navy support ship programme reaches key milestone at Appledore
Construction of the first Fleet Solid Support ship reaches a key milestone as work progresses on the Royal Navy's future replenishment fleet.
Defence Security

1 Sep 2026

TEKEVER acquires Edinburgh-based Flowcopter
FIA 2026
TEKEVER acquires Edinburgh-based Flowcopter
The move is designed to expand TEKEVER's autonomous capabilities with advanced propulsion technology.