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 2025 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
Joint Statement on the Defence Investment Plan and defence spending by ADS, Make UK Defence, SMI, techUK and TheCityUK. As the UK’s […] Read more
On the 11 June 2026, Rt Hon John Healey MP, Secretary of State for Defence, resigned from the UK Government. Kevin Craven, […] Read more
In less than a month’s time, the UK government will introduce a new Steel Trade Measure, designed – Ministers say – to […] Read more
Every two years, we conduct our membership survey and we’re thrilled to launch it for 2026. The survey gives us the opportunity […] Read more
Joint Roland Berger study with the aviation associations ADS, BDLI and GIFAS highlights improved resilience, yet warns of structural vulnerabilities amid rising […] Read more
164 aircraft orders were placed in April 2026, nearly eight times those placed in April 2025 115 aircraft were delivered in April […] Read more
Rome (21 May 2026) – ADS and AIAD have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation for their respective defence […] Read more
Andy Williams joins the ADS leadership team as Director of ADS Scotland This appointment strengthens ADS’ mission to support the aerospace, defence, […] Read more
On 13 May 2026, King Charles III delivered the King’s Speech, setting out the Government’s legislative agenda for the next Parliamentary session […] Read more
Image credit to Ben Adams Photography 51 teams competed in the South East Regional Final of the UK Youth Rocketry Challenge (UKROC) The […] Read more
Image credit to Ben Adams Photography 64 teams competed in the largest Northern Regional Final of the UK Youth Rocketry Challenge (UKROC) Birkdale […] Read more
198 students took part in the largest South West Regional Final of the UK Youth Rocketry Challenge (UKROC) UTC Portsmouth (Day 1 […] 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.
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