MANIFESTO FOR THE UK DEFENCE INDUSTRY PUBLISHED
Monday 29 March 2010 11:50 AM
Sector offers top-quality kit for troops and a route out of recession
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. 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.
Ian Godden, Chairman of A|D|S, said:
“The UK defence sector is an unsung success story in the British economy. Employing 300,000 people across all regions of the UK it delivers the best possible equipment to our armed forces along with £35 billion per year to the economy and a further £5 billion per year on average in exports.
“Our manifesto seeks to demonstrate to the next Government that our industry is not making demands of politicians but is instead promoting what the industry can achieve for the country providing it receives sufficient support to do so. We offer a route out of recession and excellent returns on initial investment, not to mention our main function, which is to provide the best possible equipment for our armed forces in partnership with the Government of the day.
“Reform of defence procurement is a vital immediate priority alongside the forthcoming Strategic Defence Review and refresh of the Defence Industrial Strategy that should go with it. Industry believes that it can assist the Ministry of Defence to achieve this reform to deliver even greater capability to our Armed Forces. We are proud to work with the best troops in the world and to provide them with the high-quality equipment that they need and deserve.”
Also See