Wales’ £3.7bn aerospace and defence sectors soar amid global industry focus
Wales’ £3.7bn aerospace and defence sectors soar amid global industry focus
Wales’ aerospace and defence industries are continuing their impressive growth trajectory, with new figures from the Welsh Government revealing that the sectors now support over 16,000 jobs, generate more than £3.7 billion in turnover, and contribute around £1.5 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the Welsh economy.
Currently, around 285 companies are actively manufacturing in Wales across both sectors, a sign of the region’s increasing prominence as a high-value industrial hub.
The announcement was made by Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning Rebecca Evans during her visit to the Paris Airshow, one of the world’s most significant aerospace exhibitions.
Speaking from Le Bourget, Evans reinforced the Welsh Government’s commitment to expanding the closely linked aerospace and defence supply chains, highlighting the strength of Wales’ infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, and established base of global industry leaders.
“Wales boasts world-class capabilities in the defence and aerospace sectors,” said Evans. “The Paris Airshow represents a global platform to raise the profile of Wales as a dynamic hub for inward investment. We are committed to delivering for Welsh companies and supporting them to create new jobs in the industries of the future.”
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Wales is home to operations from eight of the world’s top eleven global aerospace and defence firms, including Airbus, RTX (formerly Raytheon), General Dynamics, GE Aerospace, BAE Systems, Safran, Rolls-Royce, and Thales. These firms form the backbone of a robust and integrated industrial ecosystem that spans civil and military technologies, from aircraft wing production to advanced communications systems.
The Welsh Government has been active on the international stage, recently attending DSEI Japan, and is preparing to lead a delegation of Welsh companies to DSEI London in September, part of its strategy to secure further defence sector investment and export opportunities.
With continued government support and international visibility, Wales is positioning itself not just as a manufacturing base, but as a key player in shaping the future of aerospace and defence innovation.
