• Report finds that defence companies have reduced their emissions by 13% annually
  • Defence companies have seen a 6% year-on-year increase in female employment
  • The second UK Defence ESG Charter Report highlights continued progress by 18 defence businesses towards their ESG goals

 

London (30 April 2026) – Major UK defence companies have continued to make progress across their environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments over the past year, according to the second UK Defence ESG Charter Report.

Published by trade association ADS, the Report assesses ESG performance among 18 Charter signatories that together account for two thirds of total defence industry turnover, and more than half of the UK’s defence workforce.

Emissions reduction

The Report shows that in 2024, signatories reduced their combined Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 13%, while sourcing a quarter of their energy from sustainable sources.

In pursuit of parity

The findings highlight continued progress towards greater gender parity across the defence sector, with a 6% year on year increase in the number of women employed among signatory organisations. The gender pay gap has also continued to narrow, with women earning 92 pence for every pound earned by men, reflecting a one percentage point improvement over the year.

Investment in skills and the future workforce also increased. In 2024, the number of apprenticeship roles rose by 14% compared with the previous year, reaching 7,400. Over the same period, signatories delivered an average of nearly 40,000 training hours each, equating to 18 years of continuous work dedicated to keeping employees fully trained.

Being a good corporate citizen

Operating in one of the most highly regulated and compliant sectors of the economy, the Report also finds that over 90% of Charter signatories now hold Cyber Essentials+ certification, while 88% have a publicly disclosed Modern Slavery Statement.

Kevin Craven, CEO of ADS, said:

“As the threat landscape continues to expand dramatically, and the pressures on our resources become ever more apparent, industry must become more resilient. Achieving that resilience means embedding sustainable practices across everything we do.

“This latest report highlights the progress industry is making in strengthening resilience across our workforces, businesses and national security. By continuing to invest in people, capability, and sustainability, we are helping to ensure our sectors are fit for the future and able to respond to the demand and the challenges in delivering it.”

Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP, said:

“This report demonstrates that the UK defence industry is stepping up in a more dangerous world – not just for the frontline, but in building a workforce and industry fit for the future.

“Thousands of apprentices are being supported to be the next generation of skilled workers across the country and, through our Defence Industrial Strategy, we are working hand-in-hand with the sector to ensure UK defence is on a secure long-term footing.”

The UK Defence ESG Charter was launched in January 2024 by seven leading prime organisations and has since more than doubled in size, with 18 companies now signed up.