Across the UK, our workforce of around 50,000 people is working with purpose — developing advanced defence and security technologies that help protect the nation, its people and the UK’s allies. Beyond our support for national security, we have a far wider impact, sustaining tens of thousands of jobs, investing in skills and driving innovation. An independent analysis by Oxford Economics looked at the difference we made in 2024, contributing to economic growth and generating opportunity in communities across the UK.
Download the report
Economic impact
Our day-to-day operations delivering for domestic and overseas customers have a broad economic footprint in the UK. This includes the people we employ directly, our spending with thousands of UK suppliers, and our investment in skills, technology and partnerships with organisations like universities. The employment and spending of these organisations delivers a further economic contribution. Taking into account consumer spending by both our employees and workers in supplier and partner organisations, the UK economy and the Exchequer realise further benefit again.
Contribution to UK GDP
UK jobs supported
Exports from the UK
Supply chain spending
Capital investment
Overall tax contributed
Employment figures are given on a full-time equivalent basis (FTE) and are rounded-up. For more information see the full report based on independent analysis by Oxford Economics. All data refers to 2024 unless otherwise stated.
Technology development and innovation
Working with a network of universities and small and medium sized enterprises, we invest in research and development (R&D) to drive innovation in new and emerging defence and security technologies. We use innovative manufacturing methods to improve efficiencies in our production, reducing costs for our customers.
Employment figures are given on a full-time equivalent basis (FTE) and are rounded-up. For more information see the full report based on independent analysis by Oxford Economics. All data refers to 2024 unless otherwise stated.
Investing in people and communities
We make a positive social impact in the places where our employees live and work, including through our support for armed forces and education charities on a national and regional basis. By investing in the critical skills needed to deliver the UK's defence and security programmes, we are developing people and helping communities to prosper and thrive.
Employment figures are given on a full-time equivalent basis (FTE) and are rounded-up. For more information see the full report based on independent analysis by Oxford Economics. All data refers to 2024 unless otherwise stated.
Our regional impact
We operate from more than 50 sites across the UK. Our footprint in the UK’s nations, towns and cities brings employment and opportunities to businesses and communities from the Scottish Highlands to the Isle of Wight. The majority of our employees are based in the six regions of the map below. Outside of these regions more than 850 employees support Royal Air Force operations at RAF Coningsby and RAF Marham. A further 500 employees are based at sites in Great Baddow, Bedford, Milton Keynes and outside Coventry. More details about our footprint and our operations across the UK are available in our report.
NW of England
- 26,500 employees
- 48,400 total jobs sustained
- £850m spent with 650 regional suppliers
Scotland
- 4,500 employees
- 14,000 total jobs sustained
- £500m spent with 300 regional suppliers
Wales
- 1,000 employees
- 4,900 total jobs sustained
- £100m spent with 150 regional suppliers
NE of England
- 1,500 employees
- 12,000 total jobs sustained
- £400m spent with 400 regional suppliers
SW of England
- 2,300 employees
- 11,200 total jobs sustained
- £650m spent with 450 regional suppliers
London & the SE of England
- 9,300 employees
- 31,900 total jobs sustained
- £1.6bn spent with 1,650 regional suppliers
Employment figures are given on a full-time equivalent basis (FTE) and are rounded-up. For more information see the full report based on independent analysis by Oxford Economics. All data refers to 2024 unless otherwise stated.