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The UK Defence industry represents ten per cent of UK high technology manufacturing and is the number one exporter in Europe, second only to the US globally. The Industry employs over 300,000 people and generates over £35 billion per year to the UK economy. The industry also works hand-in-hand with the UK Armed Forces from factory to frontline, for example over 6,000 industry personnel are currently working alongside our troops in Afghanistan. ADS represents some  800 companies, of which almost 700 are SMEs, in the Defence industry and supports the Defence Industry Council and Defence Matters.

ADS Support

Utilising its UK and internationally located offices (France, India) and through its extensive cross-cutting business network, ADS supports companies to network and develop their business portfolios in the UK and abroad.  Our members’ principal customers in the UK are the MoD and other Government Departments such as the Home Office, the FCO and the Security Services. ADS actively support members in the export market, providing a number of specialist services (such as advice on Export Licensing, Offsets, International Trafficking in Arms Regulations and the EU Defence and Security Directive). 

Further to this, ADS work closely with UKTI, and particularly DSO, to enable companies to showcase their product/service value proposition in context, using the Armed Forces personnel of DSO’s Export Support Team, and ships of the Royal Navy at Defence and Security Industry Days. Our close association with the MoD means that we can run business focused Industry briefings, seminars, lunches and workshops at the request of members, bringing Industry and the MoD together. 

Governance

The Sector is governed by a Defence Sector Board consisting of members interested in the sector, which is led by the Vice-President Defence, who is elected by the membership.  ADS also facilitate nearly 50 Special Interest Groups (SIG’s), which focus on niche aspects of the Defence sector (such as CBRN, ISR, Cyber and Training).