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

UK startup developing 400-mile military cargo drone secures $10 million investment
Skyfly Technologies
UK startup developing 400-mile military cargo drone secures $10 million investment
The funding will support development of the hybrid propulsion system for Skyfly's Longbow electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft.
Aerospace

22 Oct 2026

Affinity Aviation forges UK partnership with AeronautX
Caroline Talboys, Andrew Hoy and Christian Jones.
Affinity Aviation forges UK partnership with AeronautX
As AeronautX expands its UK operations, Affinity Aviation Group (AAG) has invested in AeronautX UK's new office situated within AAG’s existing headquarters at Farnborough Airport.
Aerospace Member News

22 Oct 2026

Rising airline jet fuel costs could affect UK aerospace investment and regional routes
BGS extends fuelling partnership with Ryanair
Rising airline jet fuel costs could affect UK aerospace investment and regional routes
Higher airline fuel costs could affect aircraft investment, maintenance demand and UK regional air services, despite strong aerospace order backlogs.
Aerospace

21 Oct 2026

SubSea Craft appoints Matthew Zirkle as CEO of US arm
Matt Zirkle
SubSea Craft appoints Matthew Zirkle as CEO of US arm
Retired US Navy Rear Admiral Matthew Zirkle has been appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SubSea Craft USA, to lead the company's expansion of its US presence.
Defence Member News

22 Oct 2026

Defence committee warns of “glaring gaps” in High North defences against Russia
A youngster waves the Flag of St George as HMS Prince of Wales leaves Portsmouth in 2025
Defence committee warns of “glaring gaps” in High North defences against Russia
A new Defence Committee report highlights concerns over Royal Navy availability and the UK's ability to meet its commitments in the High North amid evolving Russian activity and uncertainty over future US support for NATO.
Defence

22 Oct 2026

LionStrike says it could build British Army LMV base vehicles in 10 production days
Team LionStrike Chevrolet Silverado for British Army LMV bid
LionStrike says it could build British Army LMV base vehicles in 10 production days
GM’s manufacturing scale underpins a bid promising rapid production, while UK companies would deliver military integration and long-term fleet support.
Defence

22 Oct 2026

ClearSpace and Eutelsat sign term sheet to advance Phoenix GEO life-extension services
Artificial rendering of Phoenix approaching a client satellite.
ClearSpace and Eutelsat sign term sheet to advance Phoenix GEO life-extension services
A new agreement between ClearSpace and Eutelsat has established a framework for cooperation on the Phoenix mission and future commercial life-extension services, bringing satellite operator expertise into the development of next-gen in-orbit servicing capabilities.
Member News Space

22 Oct 2026

UK Space Agency opens £2m fund to bring satellite data into new markets
Satellite
UK Space Agency opens £2m fund to bring satellite data into new markets
UK businesses can partner with space suppliers to test satellite-enabled environmental and emissions services, with applications closing on 11 December.
Space

21 Oct 2026

Newquay could host twice-daily space flights under new plan
Aurora - Flight 61, Scout Space - High Altitude
Newquay could host twice-daily space flights under new plan
Spaceport Cornwall and Dawn Aerospace are exploring plans to bring reusable spaceplane operations to Newquay, with ambitions for twice-daily flights to the edge of space.
Aerospace Space

20 Oct 2026

UK businesses warned over critical PHP flaws affecting WordPress, Magento and web applications
Cybersecurity
UK businesses warned over critical PHP flaws affecting WordPress, Magento and web applications
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is urging UK businesses to identify vulnerable PHP systems after two critical software flaws were found that could allow hackers to remotely take control of websites, web applications and online services.
Security

22 Oct 2026

NVIDIA backs UK AI safety research with $250m computing commitment
Artificial intelligence and future concept
NVIDIA backs UK AI safety research with $250m computing commitment
NVIDIA's funding for AI security comes alongside new investments and warnings about competitiveness.
Security

22 Oct 2026

UK wildfires expose gaps in emergency preparedness, MPs warn
UK wildfire
UK wildfires expose gaps in emergency preparedness, MPs warn
The MPs are calling for improved firefighting resources and a nationwide public awareness campaign to reduce the growing threat of wildfires.
Home Security

21 Oct 2026