Maths is the silent engine powering innovation across our sectors. As we mark National Maths Week (15-23 November 2025), it is worth reflecting on the profound impact that mathematics has had on the aerospace, defence, security, and space industries.
In this blog post, I want to share a couple examples that show the ever-growing diversity of mathematics needed in our sectors, and why it is important to make maths accessible to every school student, no matter their background.
Aerospace engineering
Recent advances in aerospace engineering have been driven by sophisticated mathematical modelling. For example, the design of next-generation aircraft heavily depends on computational fluid dynamics methods, which in turn start with secondary school fundamentals. Whether algebra for equations, trigonometry for angles, or calculus for airflow, they all power the simulations that predict how aircraft behave. Add vectors for velocity fields and statistics for turbulence, and you have the mathematical toolkit behind modern aerospace innovation. Meanwhile, machine learning is increasingly integrated into engineering workflows to accelerate fluid simulations. Here, linear algebra powers neural networks, calculus drives optimisation, and probability underpins data modelling. However, the applications of classroom mathematics do not stop with these two cases.
Defence and security: cryptography in the quantum era
In the defence and security sectors, the rise of quantum computing has prompted a shift towards post-quantum cryptography. Quantum-safe encryption may sound futuristic, but its roots lie in familiar maths. Algebra underpins lattice-based schemes, number theory drives modular arithmetic, and probability ensures security against attacks. If you combine this knowledge with applications of matrices, you have the maths shielding data in the quantum era. The UK is particularly well prepared for these technological innovations, ranking among the global top five countries in 2023 for high-impact research output on post-quantum cryptography, according to the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.
Why maths matters
National Maths Week is a reminder that behind every cutting-edge development lies a set of equations quietly doing the heavy lifting. It enables precision, drives innovation, and secures our future. But to sustain innovation, we need to ensure every student regardless of gender, background or geography, has the opportunity to master these fundamentals and develop necessary problem-solving skills. Inclusive maths education unlocks talent, fuels diversity of thought, and ensures the next generation of engineers, scientists and analysts reflects the society we serve. That is why me must champion maths education for every student – because the next breakthrough in our sectors could start with someone mastering algebra in a classroom today.
