The UK’s reliance on its aerospace industry to secure defence exports has been highlighted in a report by UK Defence and Security Exports (UKDSE), itself part of the Department of International Trade, which detailed that 91% of combined order or contract value from 2011-2020 came from the sector.
Over the past decade the report stated that the UK had secured a number of key aerospace contract, including the sale of Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft to Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, the latter of which also procured the Hawk jet trainer. In addition, the UK’s aerospace sector contributes towards the F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter programme, which has achieved significant success in the global market.
Regarding the UK’s dependence on its aerospace industry, the updated UKDSE report, published on October 26, stated that the country was “a leader in air sector technology and capability” and was “exploiting” this expertise.
