UK’s Aerospace & Defense Industry Top Companies and Potential

The UK aerospace and defense industry has been growing steadily in the last decade. In 2019 alone, turnover from the UK’s aerospace sector reached $45.5 billion; besides, 90% of total production was exported. Ever since the UK Space Agency establishment, the aerospace sector has also seen some rapid growth. Right now, the UK’s international space share market stands at 6%, but by 2030, UKSA hopes to reach a 10% limit.

The government, determined to put its space initiative forward, invests 6 times the R&D average in space R&D, which creates favorable conditions for any aerospace company in UK. Even though the UK Space Programme is relatively new, Great Britain already produces more satellites than any other state in Europe. But what is the real potential of the UK’s aerospace and defense sector? More importantly, which companies help push this industry forward?

Long-Term Potential of UK’s Aerospace & Defense Industry

Satellite technology is vital for many spheres, including defense, navigation, commerce, and many others. While it is too early to discuss the UK’s aerospace & defense potential in post-Brexit times, Great Britain is already working on a navigation system of its own — GNSS. GNSS should become a replacement for Galileo, offering the UK more independence in satellite navigation data.

All in all, the UK’s focused attention on the space industry has the same ultimate goal — independence in the new space era and a chance to become a space-faring nation. Of course, in times of globalization, independence does not completely rule out international partnerships. One of the latest aerospace and defense regulations,signed in June 2020, is the Technology Safeguards Agreement between the UK and US. This agreement presupposes launching US rockets from UK soil.

To this end, UKSA is actively investing in spaceport construction. So far, the most promising facilities are located in Scotland, and many American corporations already invest in launchpad construction. Some of the largest companies include Virgin Orbit, with plans to carry out horizontal launches from Cornwall, and Lockheed Martin, aiming for traditional vertical launches from Shetland. When spaceports get all necessary permits, one can expect more international aerospace and defense deals in this niche.

Once local spaceports are commissioned, the UK will have what it takes to offer an end-to-end launch service to clients worldwide. This is a highly profitable niche as, according to expert estimates, up to 10,000 satellites will be launched annually by 2025. Countries that can offer key launch solutions, from manufacturing satellites to launching them into required orbits, will have a competitive advantage in the new space age.

Government initiatives aside, which aerospace and defense manufacturing companies help develop this thriving industry?

Top aerospace and defense companies in the UK

Top aerospace and defense companies in the UK

It would be impossible to list one top aerospace and defense technology companyin the UK because different enterprises contribute their unique share to this rapidly growing market. Some of the best examples include:

  • BAE Systems is a company developing defense systems for land, sea, and space since 1999. The corporation has over 100,000 employees in 40 countries worldwide.
  • GKN may not be an aerospace defense company perhaps, but it is still one of the oldest British corporations that trace its origin back to 1759, and has three major divisions now. One of them, GKN Aerospace, creates engines and propulsion systems.
  • Skyrora is one of the most innovative rocket manufacturers in the UK, advocating sustainable use of space resources and using a proprietary environmentally safe fuel that emits less carbon into the atmosphere. This tech may also serve the aerospace defense sector.
  • Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. is a leading small satellite manufacturer and a former University of Surrey spin-off. Now, most of the company’s shares belong to German-originating Airbus Defense and Space, but many Surrey operations still take place in the UK.
  • OneWeb is a British company working on satellite constellations for broadband internet connection in remote areas. Its main goal is to create a high-speed internet network in every corner of the globe. Satellite data may play its role in the aerospace defense sector.
  • Survitec Group makes survival equipment for marine, defense, and aerospace market segments.
  • EARTH-i is a company that uses geospatial solutions, satellite imagery, and data analytics for various clients, including defense, environment protection, marine, agricultural, and commercial market segments.
  • Orbex Space, with its headquarters in Scotland, is another rocket manufacturer on this list. Its Prime vehicle should launch from Space Hub Sutherland once both are commissioned, contributing to the aerospace defense industry as well.
  • Reaction Engines is working on a new SABRE technology that should eventually make space more accessible. Some of the company developments are aimed at creating manned spacecraft for Moon and Mars exploration missions but may also be applied to the aerospace defense sector.
  • Oxford Space Systems creates antennae and other space component parts of its own, contributing its share to the aerospace defense industry.

On a side note, there is also an Irish aerospace and defense Accenturecompany that has grown into a multinational technology consulting corporation since its inception in Dublin in 2009. Besides, one cannot neglect the UK Air Force and other aerospace and defense companies funded by the government instead of private investors.

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