Upcoming Trade Shows in UK for Defense

In the realm of aerospace and defense, the United Kingdom stands as a global powerhouse. The country has not only size, but also sophistication on its side. The aerospace sector (a crucial part of the UK’s defense industry), ranked second globally after the United States, is a key driver of exports. In 2022, the UK’s civil aerospace sector witnessed a turnover of around $34.5 billion, solidifying its status as a major contributor to the nation’s economy. The crown jewel of UK exports, the aerospace industry, though not a producer of large civil aircraft, sees a remarkable 70% of its domestic production exported. In the same year, the UK defense industry marked a turnover of approximately $29 billion, with $15 billion attributed to exports. Simultaneously, the UK’s space industry totaled a turnover of $22 billion in 2021, $9.5 billion of which were in exports. The UK boasts a mature and well-established supply chain that’s been developed and perfected since the mid-20th century. It delivers high-calibre designing and production of engines, helicopters, wings and aircraft systems that also include cutting-edge landing gear. Notably, the UK plays a pivotal role in Airbus's operations with all wings for Airbus commercial aircraft designed in the UK and a majority crafted in North Wales. The thriving Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) sector further complements the aerospace landscape, providing crucial services to a substantial number of military and civil aircraft that traverse UK airspace annually. With over 3,000 aerospace companies operating within its borders, the UK's aerospace sector is a significant employer, providing more than 282,000 jobs directly and indirectly. Industry giants such as BAE Systems, Cobham, GKN, Meggitt, QinetiQ, Rolls-Royce, and Ultra Electronics, alongside major international players like Boeing, Airbus Group, Lockheed Martin, and Thales Group, contribute to the sector's robust and diverse ecosystem.