Aerospace and space market in the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom (UK) has the world’s second-largest aerospace industry after the United States. Its strengths span civil aviation, defence aerospace, space systems, and advanced manufacturing.

The UK is home to:

  • a dense aerospace supply chain
  • globally recognized original equipment manufacturers (OEMs)
  • tier-1 suppliers
  • leading research institutions

Strong government support for innovation, sustainability, and defence modernization continues to drive demand for international collaboration.

Industry highlights

2.1% contribution to UK’s GDP

£3 to 4 billion of annual capital investment in advanced aerospace manufacturing and R&D

More than 120,000 jobs in the UK’s Aerospace sector

More than 100 Canadian aerospace companies active or with partnerships in the UK

17% of global aerospace R&D spend occurs in the UK

More than £35 billion in UK aerospace exports annually 

Key opportunities for Canadian Aerospace companies in the UK:

  • Participation in next‑generation aircraft, propulsion and sustainable aviation programs 
  • Supply‑chain integration with UK and European primes and tier‑1s 
  • Collaboration on R&D through UK innovation, defence and net‑zero funding schemes

Notable challenges for Canadian Aerospace companies in the UK:

  • Highly competitive and mature supplier landscape 
  • Complex regulatory and certification environment (UK/EASA) 
  • Pressure on cost, delivery and sustainability performance

UK business landscape:

The United Kingdom’s aerospace sector is supported by major civil and defence programs, including significant workshares on global aircraft platforms, combat air systems, and space-enabled capabilities. Key priorities include:

  • net-zero aviation
  • advanced materials
  • digital engineering
  • defence resilience

Government policy continues to support the sector through increased defence spending, innovation funding, and industrial strategies focused on productivity and sustainability. These efforts are creating opportunities for trusted allied suppliers, including Canadian companies.

Summary

The UK is an attractive market for Canadian aerospace companies seeking scale, high‑value partnerships and technology collaboration. Given its advanced industrial base and strong demand for innovation, the UK aerospace market offers Canadian firms opportunities to integrate into global programs and long‑term supply chains. 

Contact us

For more information on the aerospace and space sectors in the UK, contact Pierre Kowlessar, Trade Commissioner covering aerospace and defence (pierre.kowlessar@international.gc.ca).

Additional Information

Date published:

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