Business · 11 July 2026

UK aerospace and defence added £46.8bn to economy last year

Britain's aerospace and defence industries boosted the UK economy by £46.8 billion in 2025, a 65% rise over the last decade. Trade body ADS reported that the sectors' combined turnover last year approached £110 billion, with 468,500 people employed nationwide. Exports grew by over two-thirds to £50 billion, now making up 45% of total sector turnover.

By BriefTea Editorial · 11 July 2026 at 13:23

Reported by UK Defence Journal · How we write briefs

Get the app

Understand this story

Global defence spending trends How defence spending affects you How do exports help? How do skills boost exports?

More briefs

BusinessEngland's free bus pass age will rise to 67 by April 2028 BusinessBritish tourist visits to Japan up 40.8% since 2019 TechnologyGoogle paying £260m to settle UK Play Store developer lawsuit BusinessSnack makers warn new UK rules could undo years of reformulation work BusinessHouseholds can fix energy bills now to save £173 BusinessEasyJet passengers stranded in Milan after flight cancellation More business stories → Browse all stories →