UK Defense Exports Increase In Last Five Years

UK Defense exports went up by 62 per cent since 2011 in a global market that grew by 45%, according to UK Trade & Investment’s Defence and Security Organisation (UKTI DSO).

These results mean the UK maintains its position as the second most successful defence exporter after the United States, according to the study. 

Orders contributing to the strong results included Typhoon and Hawk aircraft. The Typhoon programme alone supports an estimated 8,600 jobs in the UK, across companies including BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce and SELEX Galileo and their supply chains – with an estimated further 1,500 jobs dependent on export opportunities. 

Philip Dunne, Minister for Defence, Equipment Support and Technology, said, “This is welcome news for the UK Defence Industry, and demonstrates that they remain world leaders in an increasingly competitive global market place. The Ministry of Defence has continued to play a key supporting role in the promotion of defence equipment and services, recognising that defence exports make a significant contribution to the government’s growth agenda."

“These results also demonstrate the high regard in which our Armed Forces, and the equipment they use, are held by our allies and partner nations overseas," he added.

The UK continues to capture 20% of the global defence export market. Maintaining this level and growing security exports to 5% by 2015 are the key targets for UKTI Defence & Security Organisation. Last year’s expansion in the defence sector was supported by UK export growth of 4% to £2.7 billion in the security sector, in a global market that grew by 3%. 

Combined defence and security exports rose to £11.5 billion in 2012, up from £8 billion in 2011. 

The increase in the security sector reinforces a consistent picture of year on year growth in a highly competitive market. Growth is particularly strong in the cyber security sector which is critical to the UK’s national security.