The UK’s Aerospace, Defence and Security (A|D|S) trade organisation today welcomed the news from the UK Trade & Investment’s Defence and Security Organisation that defence exports surpassed £9bn in 2009.
Ian Godden, Chairman of A|D|S, said that industry also had further room for strong growth in exports as the country recovers from recession. The UK currently has almost 20% of the global market.
He added: “As the Government seeks to rebalance the economy towards industries that represent high-technology manufacturing and services with strong export potential the defence sector is delivering on these priorities.
“It is proud to support our armed forces directly and to work closely with our partners overseas. It also employs over 300,000 people across the whole of the UK and contributes over £35 billion to the economy each year.”
The UK defence industry is very keen to increase its share of the overseas defence market in the face of government cuts. The Defence Minister, Liam Fox, said that top-level support would be provided for the defence exports sector to make up for the fall in domestic expenditure.
One of the largest deals up for grabs is India’s 126-aircraft procurement contract, valued at £11bn. EADS, the European consortium that includes BAE Systems, is hoping that India accepts its offer of the Eurofighter Typhoon.
Lorenzo Spoerry
