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
Tomorrow’s Engineers Week aims to inspire the next generation to discover where a career in engineering could take them. This year’s theme, ‘Shape […] Read more
On 3 November 2026, the UK and Dutch governments signed a new cooperation agreement to strengthen collaboration on sustainable aviation. ADS, alongside […] Read more
London (22 October 2026) – ADS Group has appointed John Howie MBE as Chief Executive Officer to replace Kevin Craven who […] Read more
Digital Product Passports – an industry response to growing challenges around traceability, compliance, authenticity and sustainability. As aerospace supply chains become more […] Read more
Holly Driver joins the ADS leadership team as the Executive Director of Aerospace This appointment reinforces ADS’ mission to sustain and […] Read more
The Making a Difference Awards are just around the corner. Taking place alongside the South West Annual Gala, the awards will be […] Read more
Growth rarely happens by accident. It requires planning, capability, resilience and access to the right expertise at the right time. Our new […] Read more
In September 2026, the Government published the UK Space Strategy, setting out a vision for the UK to become a “competitive space […] Read more
The UK Defence ESG Charter brings together organisations committed to improving environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance. The latest annual report, provides […] Read more
Earlier this year, ADS South West joined the ADS Group to provide businesses in the region with dedicated networking, business development and […] Read more
Whether you are looking to export products, provide services, expand your customer base or enter new territories, understanding the UK’s network of […] Read more
The UK Defence ESG Charter brings together organisations committed to improving environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance. Charter signatories are investing in […] 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.
FN UK are the UK's sole manufacturer of military rifles and machine guns, these include: the .50 M2/...
ErithFounded in 1989, RTA is an aerospace supply chain harmonization partner that provides supply chain...
KilkeelNightball are an independent provider of innovative cyber secure solutions and services, based in th...
BasingstokeSora Aviation is a Bristol-based start-up in the Advanced Air Mobility sector. Sora is developing ...
BRISTOLRamBase is a complete cloud-based ERP solution for manufacturing and wholesale industries. A few rea...
ManchesterCDS Support Ltd, trading as CDS Defence & Security, provides a range of support services essential f...
CHELTENHAMBased in Hereford UK, GRC are satellite, RF, Cloud and IP connectivity specialists, delivering solut...
HEREFORDHarness the power of AI without compromising trust, security or sovereignty. METCLOUD.AI brings...
BirminghamSenior plc is a Footsie 250 company that comprises two main operating divisions; Aerospace and Flexo...
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