Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace Defence Security Space

UK connector orders up 10% in Q1

The Interconnect Technology Suppliers Association (ITSA) has released its first quarter report for 2024, which reveals ITSA members have seen overall growth of 10% in connector orders, with some segments outperforming expectations, such as military and commercial which are up by 30%.

Image courtesy ITSA

Although 2024 has seen a good start for ITSA members, ITSA estimates that the UK connector market will likely only see low single-figure growth over the full year.

Nevertheless, ITSA members remain incredibly positive about the longer-term future.

Key Stats:

  • Book-to-Bill is flat at 1:1
  • Distribution share was flat in Q1, but still strong year-on-year
  • Some key markets showing significant growth, with Broadcast +70%, Data Centre +31% and Mass Transport +11%
  • The UK connector market continues to perform well and this is supported by both the Manufacturing PMI and Make UK data

The Interconnect Technology Suppliers Association (ITSA) is the only dedicated trade-industry body for interconnect technology companies operating in the UK. It originated in the early 1980s, as a specific interest group within the Electronic Components Industry Federation (ECIF), becoming the Connector Manufacturers Association (CMA), which ultimately stopped functioning around 2005.

Advertisement
ODU RT

In 2008, it reformed as the British Connector Manufacturers Association (BCMA) and was relaunched in 2017 as the Interconnect Technology Suppliers Association (ITSA) to more accurately reflect the changing supply chain activities of its members. ITSA has a presence on several standards bodies, including BSI committees and RoHS compliance & exemption groups, like the Öko-Institut.

ITSA Membership
ITSA recently welcomed Rayfast to its ranks as its latest associate member. Swindon-based Rayfast is a distributor of harness components. Companies active in the UK interconnect supply-chain that are not as yet ITSA members, can find out more here: https://itsa.org.uk

Advertisement
ODU RT

To download the full ITSA Q1 report for 2024, click here:
https://itsa.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ITSA-Report-Q1-2024-2.pdf

Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner
Dstl backed robotics advance transforms military manufacturing

Defence

Dstl backed robotics advance transforms military manufacturing

15 May 2026

Rivelin Robotics, supported by Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) expertise, has created microfactory technology that automates the slow, risky manual finishing of 3D printed parts.

Defence firms incentivised to deliver on time

Defence

Defence firms incentivised to deliver on time

15 May 2026

The UK Government is cracking down on waste and delays as defence companies are to be incentivised to deliver equipment on time and on budget with new reforms to Single Source Contract Regulations.

MoD selects TEKEVER to support Project NYX

Defence

MoD selects TEKEVER to support Project NYX

15 May 2026

TEKEVER has been selected by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) to support Project NYX, the British Army’s programme to develop next-generation autonomous systems capable of operating alongside Apache attack helicopters.

West Midlands launches MoD-backed RDSC

Defence

West Midlands launches MoD-backed RDSC

15 May 2026

A new Regional Defence and Security Cluster (RDSC), designed to align local defence capabilities with UK demand, has been launched in the West Midlands.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Getac to demo integrated tactical solutions at SOF Week 2026

Defence Security Events

Getac to demo integrated tactical solutions at SOF Week 2026

15 May 2026

Getac, a provider of rugged computing and mobile video solutions and a manufacturer with advanced in-house capabilities, will demo its portfolio of rugged laptops, tablets and command solutions at SOF Week 2026, 18th-21st May in Tampa, Florida.

GA-ASI and USAF Demonstrate APKWS on MQ-9A Reaper

Defence

GA-ASI and USAF Demonstrate APKWS on MQ-9A Reaper

15 May 2026

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), in collaboration with the US Air Force (USAF), has conducted flight tests of an Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) using a USAF MQ-9A Reaper Remotely Piloted Aircraft. MQ-9A is produced by GA-ASI.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
Hexagon leaderboard