On 3 March 2026, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP outlined her Spring Forecast, providing a timely reminder that, in an era of uncertainty, the UK must continue to invest in its high‑growth industries.
Kevin Craven, ADS Chief Executive said:
“Today’s Spring Forecast was a timely reminder from the Government that, in an era of uncertainty, the UK must continue to invest in its high‑growth industries, with the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors at their core. While the Chancellor did not set out a detailed plan of action, we welcome the Government’s renewed commitment to increasing defence spending, particularly following yesterday’s encouraging news on the New Medium Helicopter programme.
Businesses of all sizes stand ready to support the Government’s mission to deliver stable, long‑term economic growth. The shift to a single major fiscal event each year brings greater stability, but industry now needs clarity on how last year’s Industrial Strategies and defence commitments will be funded and delivered. Further delay to this is frustrating at best and disruptive to business at worst.”
