• The aerospace, defence, security and space sectors added £2 billion to Wales’ economy in 2025, growth of 25% since 2020
  • Turnover across ADS’ sectors in Wales has grown by almost half over the past five years
  • Wales’ aerospace, defence, security and space sectors outpace the UK average on productivity

 

Newport (3 September 2026) – The aerospace, defence, security and space sectors added £2 billion to Wales’ economy in 2025, according to new data from ADS – a 25% increase between 2020 and 2025.

The industries – explicitly recognised as Growth Sectors in the UK government’s Industrial Strategy – have also seen turnover in Wales reach £5 billion, an increase of 46% over the last five years.

ADS’ industries now support more than 18,500 direct jobs in Wales, providing highly skilled, well-paid employment across the country. The sectors continue to outperform the wider UK economy on productivity, with output per worker standing at £105,800, 6% above the UK average, and increasing by 22% over the last five years.

Defence driving economic growth in Wales

Wales’ defence industry makes a significant contribution to our national security and has continued to deliver opportunity and prosperity throughout every corner of the nation with 6,500 jobs supported by the industry.

Defence turnover now stands at £1.3 billion, having increased by 13% over the last five years, supported by £1.1 billion of direct Ministry of Defence spending in Wales.

Jon Gray, Chief of Staff & MD Nations & Regions at ADS Group, commented:

“Wales has long been at the heart of the UK’s advanced manufacturing base and continues to play a vital role in driving growth across our sectors. Our industries have grown by nearly 50% in the last five years alone and we look forward to seeing these highly productive sectors grow.

“As industry comes together for the inaugural Defence Security Resilience Cymru event, there is a real opportunity to build on this momentum. To unlock that growth, both the UK Government and Welsh Government must continue to provide the long-term certainty, investment and support that will enable our industries to continue creating jobs and attracting investment into our industries.”

ENDS.

Notes to editors:

  • ADS is the trade association for the UK’s aerospace, defence, security and space sectors, representing more than 2,000 members throughout the UK.
  • More than 95% of ADS members are SMEs.
  • ADS is a delivery partner in the inaugural Defence Security Resilience Cymru hosted on the 3-4th September 2026