Introducing ADS South West
Ukraine Bespoke Membership
Access professional support with the ADS Business Services Network
Industry Facts & Figures 2025
Global markets are in reach with our United Kingdom pavilions
Industry Facts & Figures 2025
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.
Securing UK advantage
ADS is the UK trade association advancing leadership in aerospace, defence, security and space, to enable prosperity and clean, secure growth for our nation.
Upcoming events
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.
UK Youth Rocketry Challenge 2026 (UKROC)
Defence Services Asia (DSA) 2026 – United Kingdom Pavilion
Digital Training Webinar: Blockchain for Secure Supply Chains & Asset Integrity
Webinar: US Export Controls Workshops Topics 2026
Workshop: Fundamentals for US Government Contracts and Subcontracts Training – April 2026
Knowledge
Always available to help our members unlock sector insight, Government priorities and economic trends on issues affecting our sectors
Martyn’s Law Statutory Guidance
Martyn’s Law Statutory Guidance
On 15 April 2026, the UK Home Office published its statutory guidance explaining the core concepts of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) […] Read more
Technical Excellence Colleges
Technical Excellence Colleges
On 14 April 2026, the government announced the creation of 19 new Technical Excellence Colleges across the country, including five Defence Technical […] Read more
Plymouth Defence Growth Deal
Plymouth Defence Growth Deal
On 9 April 2026, the government announced a £50 million boost for defence businesses in Plymouth and the South West with new […] Read more
Defence Diplomacy Strategy in review
Defence Diplomacy Strategy in review
On the 24th of March 2026, the government published the Defence Diplomacy Strategy, as recommended in the Strategic Defence Review. The strategy […] Read more
Developing a growth mindset for success – New Professionals Forum
Developing a growth mindset for success – New Professionals Forum
Stepping into a new career chapter is an opportune moment to review your approach to success. With the right mindset, you can […] Read more
Over 100 young engineers blast off at the Northern Ireland Youth Rocketry Regional Final
Over 100 young engineers blast off at the Northern Ireland Youth Rocketry Regional Final
102 students took part in the largest Northern Ireland Regional Final of the UK Youth Rocketry Challenge (UKROC) Friends School Lisburn from […] Read more
Rocketry challenge inspires future workforce of 70 Welsh schoolchildren
Rocketry challenge inspires future workforce of 70 Welsh schoolchildren
Image credit to Ben Adams Photography 17 teams competed in the largest Welsh Regional Final of the UK Youth Rocketry Challenge (UKROC) […] Read more
16 teams of Scottish schoolchildren take flight in the UK Youth Rocketry Challenge
16 teams of Scottish schoolchildren take flight in the UK Youth Rocketry Challenge
77 students took part in the largest Scottish Regional Final of the UK Youth Rocketry Challenge (UKROC) Bellahouston Academy from Glasgow has […] Read more
British Aviation Group at PTE World 2026: Showcasing UK Aviation Excellence
British Aviation Group at PTE World 2026: Showcasing UK Aviation Excellence
The British Aviation Group (BAG) delivered one of its most impactful and visible programmes yet at Passenger Terminal Expo (PTE) World 2026, […] Read more
Celebrating 110 years of industry collaboration: From SBAC to ADS
Celebrating 110 years of industry collaboration: From SBAC to ADS
The UK’s aerospace, defence, security, and space industries have evolved from pioneering beginnings into a world leading powerhouse of innovation and national […] Read more
February aircraft orders hit three-year high as demand surges
February aircraft orders hit three-year high as demand surges
February 2026 aircraft orders are up by over 80% compared to 2025 figures 87 commercial aircraft were delivered in February 2026, representing […] Read more
SME Spotlight – Q2 2026
SME Spotlight – Q2 2026
The ADS SME Spotlight is back for 2026 with a refreshed quarterly format designed to give small and medium-sized members stronger, more […] Read more
Get involved
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.
