Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • BAE Systems invests in advanced tech at Rochester

Aerospace Defence

BAE Systems invests in advanced tech at Rochester

BAE Systems is investing £220 million to upgrade its facilities in Rochester, Kent.

Image courtesy BAE Systems

The site, which is home to the Company’s UK-based Electronic Systems business, will undergo significant renovation to create a new state-of-the-art factory of more than 32,000 square-metres.
 
BAE Systems’ 1,600 strong workforce in Rochester specialises in advanced aerospace technologies such as head-up displays, helmet-mounted displays, flight control computers and active control sticks for civil and military aircraft worldwide.

Advertisement
Teledyne
Advertisement
Gulfstream RT

The site is also part of the Electronic Systems global support service centre, providing repairs to commercial airliners every day of the year.
 
The new facility will combine manufacturing, engineering and office space – providing a refreshed, modern and flexible working environment. The investment also includes improvements to utilities, car parking and office refurbishments across the site.
 
The Company expects the increased capacity provided by a more efficient and sustainable facility will enable it to create 300 jobs over the next five years.
 
“Our skilled workforce plays a vital role in delivering products that are of the utmost importance to national security and commercial aviation,” said Dave Banks, BAE Systems’ Rochester Business Centre Director. “This significant investment will help us attract additional highly skilled jobs to the Medway area – ensuring that we can deliver for our customers who depend on our products to complete their missions.”
 
The Rochester community has been home to the development and manufacture of aviation technology for more than 100 years. Work is already underway to prepare the site for the major redevelopment which is due to start in 2025.
 
“As our largest private sector employer, this is a strong vote of confidence in Medway being a great place for businesses to invest and grow from BAE Systems” said Councillor Vince Maple, Leader of Medway Council. “As well as boosting the local economy, this investment will provide even more skilled employment opportunities for local people, help develop young talent and encourage others to base their businesses here. This is fantastic news for Medway.”
 
The project is the latest investment that BAE Systems is making in its UK facilities. A £300 million transformation of shipbuilding facilities is underway in Glasgow and more than £200 million is being spent on upgrading the UK munitions business to meet increased demand. The Company continues to invest in research and development, skills, national supply chains and local communities.

Advertisement
Babcock LB
Advanced Engineering 2025 extends additives and composites spotlight

Aerospace Events

Advanced Engineering 2025 extends additives and composites spotlight

7 July 2025

Taking place on 29th and 30th October 2025 at the NEC Birmingham, Advanced Engineering will have a new expanded Composites Pavilion, SME Village, the ADS Pavilion, AM2 Forum (Additive Manufacturing and Advanced Materials Forum) and a focused Electronics Zone.

CAA appoints experts to strengthen economic regs and growth

Aerospace

CAA appoints experts to strengthen economic regs and growth

7 July 2025

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has appointed a team of specialists at the forefront of economics and competition policy to provide strategic advice to the aviation regulator on economic regulation and the challenges and opportunities in enabling the aviation sector to transform and grow.

Skyports and Ajman Transport to advance AAM in Ajman

Aerospace

Skyports and Ajman Transport to advance AAM in Ajman

7 July 2025

Ajman Transport Authority has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Skyports Infrastructure, with the aim of exploring opportunities for cooperation in the field of advanced air mobility (AAM) for smart aerial transport, including air taxi services, in the Emirate.

IASL trials AGlaze Aviation Sealant

Aerospace

IASL trials AGlaze Aviation Sealant

7 July 2025

Island Aviation Services Limited (IASL), operating as Maldivian, has become the second floatplane operator to trial the AGlaze Aviation Sealant product, with AGlaze International Ltd and Gryphon Aviation Partners (UK) Ltd reporting it is already delivering positive results.

Advertisement
Leonardo RT
Birmingham Airport supports young care experienced adults into work

Aerospace

Birmingham Airport supports young care experienced adults into work

7 July 2025

Birmingham Airport has supported care experienced young adults into work, as part of a specialised Midlands-wide initiative aimed at tackling youth unemployment.

Malaysia Aviation Group orders 20 more A330neo

Aerospace

Malaysia Aviation Group orders 20 more A330neo

7 July 2025

Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the parent company of national carrier Malaysia Airlines, has placed a firm order with Airbus for 20 more A330-900 aircraft.

Advertisement
Leonardo RT