A|D|S MANIFESTO FOR THE UK DEFENCE INDUSTRY PUBLISHED

A|D|S, the UK's AeroSpace, Defence and Security trade organisation today (Monday) published its manifesto for the defence sector ahead of the forthcoming General Election.

Please click here for the Manifesto or click here for the news release from A|D|S

The UK defence industry represents ten per cent of UK manufacturing, is number one in Europe and second only to the US globally, employing over 300,000 people and generating £35 billion per year to the UK economy.

The manifesto makes clear that in recent years the defence industry has provided over £4bn worth of equipment to the front line extremely rapidly through Urgent Operational Requirements (UORs). These are equipment that is needed to save lives that can go from concept to reality in a matter of weeks, proving the industry is versatile and fleet-footed. The industry also works hand-in-hand with the UK Armed Forces from factory to frontline, for example over 4,000 industry personnel are currently working with our troops in Afghanistan.

Furthermore, defence is a vital part of UK manufacturing and a sector where global growth potential exists to contribute to the UK economy's recovery from recession. The industry has seen strong growth in recent years whereas much of the rest of manufacturing has been slipping into decline. A study by Oxford Economics has shown that an investment of £100m in defence would deliver an output of £227m. That investment would also bring about an estimated additional 1,885 jobs.

Each year defence exports provide on average £5bn to the UK economy and it is the largest overseas supplier of defence equipment to the United States. The demand from overseas for British-made equipment - from fast jets to helicopters to electronic systems to personal kit for individual troops - is high because of its quality and provenance. Its use by UK Forces in recent campaigns also provides confidence to export customers.