The UK’s aerospace, defence, security and space industries are at the heart of the UK economy, building a secure and prosperous legacy. Our true value is our ability to deliver growth and prosperity throughout the nation.
The 2026 ADS Industry Facts and Figures guide shows the extent to which companies in our sectors serve as the industrial bedrock of the UK – delivering the well-paid jobs and high-tech exports we need to secure a prosperous future.
ADS is the UK trade association advancing leadership in aerospace, defence, security and space, to enable prosperity and clean, secure growth for our nation.
ADS promotes its members in lifting the limits to a new future built on clean growth, sovereign capabilities for peace, and opening space to all.






Always available to help our members unlock sector insight, Government priorities and economic trends on issues affecting our sectors
ADS and the UK-India Business Council (UKIBC) have signed a Strategic Collaboration Agreement to strengthen UK–India defence and aerospace industrial partnerships The […] Read more
Farnborough (21 July 2026) – The second day of Farnborough International Airshow has generated £16.4 billion ($22.1 billion) of aircraft deals, […] Read more
Trade associations ADS (UK) and SJAC (Japan) sign MoU to strengthen UK-Japan defence industrial collaboration The signing took place during the […] Read more
Kevin Craven, CEO of ADS Group, welcomes the new Government: The first day in a new job is a perfect time […] Read more
£36.2 billion ($48.8 billion) of aircraft deals have been made on day one of Farnborough International Airshow 234 firm aircraft orders […] Read more
673 aircraft were delivered in the first six months of 2026, representing the highest half-year delivery total since 2018 Over the first […] Read more
The trade association representing the UK’s aerospace, defence, security and space industries has reached 2,000 members More than 400 organisations joined […] Read more
Introduction The NATO Summit in Ankara marked an important moment for the Alliance. While recent summits have focused on strategy, deterrence and […] Read more
This summer we’re swapping laptops for lycra, and embarking on a 350-mile journey from Belfast to Bristol, taking in some stunning scenery […] Read more
The UK defence sector is no longer simply a supporting function. It is now a strategic capability in its own right, central […] Read more
The UK aerospace is ramping up production to meet unprecedented levels of demand, despite ongoing supply chain challenges and geopolitical uncertainty. With […] Read more
The aerospace, defence, security and space sectors added £46.8 billion to the UK economy last year Businesses in the sector generated […] Read more
All ADS Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are formed of Members and stakeholders with similar professional specialities. These groups are designed to enable Members to network, seek out business development opportunities, learn, influence markets and stakeholders and keep up to date with current, related developments.
ADS' 1,700+ members are the custodians of a world-leading advanced engineering and services workforce.
Founded in 1981, Hydratron provides a wide range of high pressure hydraulic, gas and pneumatic equip...
North ShieldsKPMG is a global network of professional firms with a presence in 155 countries. We have industry ...
LONDONJ & D Wilkie Ltd (founded 1868) are well established manufacturers and suppliers to the Ministry of ...
Datum Tool Design Ltd is an independent design company providing technical design and consultancy se...
LisburnFounded in 1958, SMC Group is a British, family-owned engineering company specialising in high-perfo...
EastleighAerospace Metal Finishers provide NDT Testing and Surface Treatments for the Aerospace and Defence S...
BallymenaConsortium X Ltd is a trusted and innovative digitaltransformation and systems engineering consultan...
CardiffDrumgrange Ltd is an independent defence contractor specialising in the design, development, integra...
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