Delivering value throughout the UK
Aerospace, defence security and space sectors power future-focussed advanced manufacturing, strengthen the economy, and enhance our national security.
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.
In 2025, our sectors’ contribution to the UK economy totalled:
As the national trade association for the UK’s aerospace, defence, security and space sectors, ADS works to promote and support their interests both at home and abroad. Spanning the length and breadth of the UK, ADS has more than 2,000 member companies which includes over 1,000 SMEs.
Employment across our sectors has grown by 39% in the last ten years. Supporting 468,500 direct jobs across the country, ADS and our members aim to expand this unique workforce capability and national advantage. Our sectors offer opportunities vital to the UK’s future as a high-tech, high-skill, high-wage economy. Figures also demonstrate a strong pipeline of young talent across all four sectors, with 29,000 apprentices playing a crucial role within the workforce.
The UK aerospace sector is ramping up production to meet unprecedented levels of demand, despite ongoing supply chain challenges and geopolitical uncertainty.
The UK defence sector is no longer simply a supporting function. It is now a strategic capability in its own right, central to delivering resilience, readiness and sustained operational advantage.
The UK security and resilience sector serves as the silent guardian of our national security, enables growth and delivers innovation.
The UK space sector is critical to our connectivity and security, taking a leading role in a blossoming global space market.
View full publication for the ADS Facts & Figures 2026 below:
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