Yesterday evening ADS hosted a reception in the House of Commons to celebrate the best of UK Defence Aerospace and highlight its contribution to the UK’s national security and economic prosperity.
The UK’s defence aerospace supply chain – from major prime contractors through to small and medium enterprises – generates well-paid jobs, high-tech exports and local growth right across the country.
It was great to be joined by MPs from across the House and to hear from Harriett Baldwin, Minister for Defence Procurement, and Mark Menzies, the MP for Fylde, about the high-skill jobs and apprenticeships the sector provides in every single corner of the UK. The Minister described it as a truly national endeavour.
And as this map shows, the defence aerospace supply chain spans the length and breadth of the UK:
The defence aerospace sector has been a particular UK success story: generating 70% of the UK’s defence exports, ensuring the UK maintains the freedom to act, and providing highly skilled jobs. The Typhoon programme, for example, sustains some 16,000 jobs throughout the supply chain in different parts of the country. With 15% of every F-35 being manufactured in the UK, the Joint Strike Fighter programme will provide 24,000 UK jobs at full production.
Last year industry secured defence and security export business worth £12bn to the UK. Successive governments have long recognised the essential importance of defence and security exports, which help to:
- Sustain high-skill jobs and our industrial base
- Deliver UK capabilities for the UK Armed Forces
- Facilitate interoperability
- Strengthen security relationships with strategic partners
This world-class industry plays a vital role in safeguarding national security, generating economic prosperity, promoting stability overseas, and responding effectively to crises.
