Here's an overview of its size and importance:

Global Leadership: The region is home to major aerospace and defence companies, including multinational primes and niche suppliers, making it a hub for cutting-edge technologies like airborne systems, simulation, and advanced materials.

Economic Contribution: The sector is a major economic driver, with the UK aerospace and defence industries contributing approximately £38.2 billion to the national economy in 2023.

Employment: South East England is home to a significant portion of the UK's aerospace and defence workforce, with thousands of highly skilled jobs supported in the region.

Key Players: The area hosts a mix of multinational companies and niche suppliers, including major hubs like Farnborough, which is renowned for its aerospace innovation and the biennial Farnborough International Airshow.

Technological Leadership: The region excels in advanced manufacturing, airborne systems, and cutting-edge technologies, making it a global leader in aerospace and defence.

Strategic Importance: With facilities like Farnborough, renowned for its international airshow and aerospace innovation, the region attracts global attention and investment.

These factors highlight the sector's critical role in driving economic growth, fostering innovation, and maintaining the UK's competitive edge in global aerospace and defence markets now and into the future.

The future of aerospace defence in South East England looks promising, driven by innovation, strategic investments, and global demand. Here are some key trends shaping its trajectory:

Technological Advancements: The sector is embracing cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics, and augmented reality. These innovations are expected to enhance manufacturing processes, improve operational efficiency, and create new capabilities in defence systems.

Sustainability Initiatives: With a growing focus on environmental concerns, the industry is investing in sustainable practices, including the development of lightweight materials and fuel-efficient systems.

Global Competitiveness: South East England remains a hub for aerospace and defence exports, contributing significantly to the UK's position as the second-largest aerospace exporter globally.

Collaboration and Research: The region benefits from strong partnerships between industry, academia, and government, fostering research and development in advanced aerospace technologies.

Economic Growth: The sector is expected to continue driving economic growth in the region, supported by a skilled workforce and a robust supply chain.

These factors position South East England as a key player in the global aerospace defence landscape. For example, South East England is expected to play a significant role in BAE Systems' Tempest fighter jet project. The Tempest is part of the UK's Future Combat Air System (FCAS) and is being developed by Team Tempest, which includes BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, Leonardo, and MBDA. The project is a major national endeavour, aiming to deliver a sixth-generation fighter jet by 2035.

The South East is home to key aerospace and defence hubs, such as Farnborough, which is renowned for its innovation and expertise. The region's advanced manufacturing capabilities, skilled workforce, and strong research institutions make it a vital contributor to the Tempest programme. Additionally, the project is expected to create thousands of high-value jobs and drive investment in cutting-edge technologies.

Lastly, the F-35 programme will continue to be a significant part of the UK's defence strategy, and South East England plays a role in its development and support. The F-35 Lightning II, a fifth-generation stealth fighter, is operated by both the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy. Key contributions from the South East include:

Manufacturing and Components: Companies in the region are involved in producing advanced components for the F-35, such as avionics and systems integration.

Maintenance and Support: Facilities like RAF Marham, while not in the South East, rely on a supply chain that includes South East-based companies for maintenance and upgrades.

Economic Impact: The F-35 programme supports thousands of jobs across the UK, including in the South East, through its extensive supply chain.

The F-35 is expected to remain a cornerstone of the UK's airpower capabilities for decades, complementing future projects like the Tempest fighter jet. Let me know if you'd like to explore more about its role or impact!