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
The UK Defence ESG Charter brings together organisations committed to improving environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance, helping to build a more […] 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
This week marks five years since the launch of AUKUS, the security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. […] Read more
The UK Defence ESG Charter brings together organisations committed to improving environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance, helping to build a more […] Read more
Supported by ADS, the inaugural Defence Security Resilience Cymru (DSRC) event held at ICC Wales in Newport last week, convened SMEs, prime […] Read more
The UK Defence ESG Charter brings together organisations committed to improving environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance, helping to build a more […] Read more
The aerospace, defence, security and space sectors added £2 billion to Wales’ economy in 2025, growth of 25% since 2020 Turnover […] Read more
More than five times as many aircraft were ordered in July 2026 compared to July 2025 The global commercial aircraft backlog has […] Read more
The UK Defence ESG Charter brings together organisations committed to improving environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance, helping to build a more […] Read more
Trade body ADS launches “There’s Aerospace For You” recruitment campaign as two thirds of aerospace employers warn skills shortages threaten future growth […] Read more
The UK Defence ESG Charter brings together organisations committed to improving environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance, helping to build a more […] Read more
Welcome back to the ADS SME Spotlight! SMEs make up over 90% of the ADS membership, and as our sectors continue to […] 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.
Awerian provides research and development services that extend and enhance the ability of the Un...
ROYSTONLeonardo is among the top ten global players in Aerospace, Defence and Security and Italy’s main i...
LONDONSFounded in 2000, Simutec Systems are a technical services company offering a range of specialist pr...
BIGGLESWADENext generation spectrum monitoring We provide sophisticated spectrum monitoring solutions to...
CAMBRIDGELivewire Digital specialises in software that enables delivery of the fastest, most resilient hybrid...
LeatherheadXpedite are a leading engineering consultancy service who achieve excellence for defence and commerc...
BATHMarshall Advanced Composites business dates back to 1931 - and since then our products have played k...
KIRKBYMOORSIDEDecho Group Ltd is a global technology and AI consultancy founded in 2024 by Palantir alumni and spe...
LondonForcys is a global maritime defence company headquartered in the United Kingdom. Backed by 50 years ...
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