Around £3.2bn was added by Scottish businesses to the UK economy by the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors, according to the latest figures from ADS Group.
The trade association’s analysis also revealed that businesses in Scotland generated £7.3bn in turnover, as well as directly employing 33,500 people.
A further 1,500 apprentices were employed in the sectors across Scotland, part of the wider 20,200 apprentices in the four sectors’ total UK workforce of 417,000.
With £95,000 output per worker, sector productivity in Scotland is 47% higher than the economy average.
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack commented: “It’s clear that Scottish skills, expertise and innovation make an enormous contribution to the UK’s defence, security, aerospace and space sectors.
“The UK Government is committed to growing our economy, including by working with these industries to support their success in the UK and in exporting overseas.
“Defence plays a crucial part in the security of the United Kingdom and also contributes significantly to delivering high-skilled jobs and investment in Scotland.“
Warrick Malcolm, ADS Scotland director, commented: “Our members in Scotland are recognised internationally for their contribution to the global sectors ADS represents.
“In the coming years, it is essential Scotland’s growth continues, securing the UK’s world-leading position in rapidly advancing sectors, such as space.”
The publication was launched at a roundtable with Jack alongside Mark Goldsack, director of UK Defence and Security Exports, and representatives from ADS businesses in the region.
ADS Group represents more than 1,200 member businesses across aerospace, defence, security and space.
Source: Insider