AERALIS to Build RAF Trainer Jets in Prestwick
AERALIS plans to assemble its modular light jet at Prestwick Airport, potentially reviving jet manufacturing in Ayrshire. The aircraft, a contender to replace the RAF’s training fleet and supply the Red Arrows, could support thousands of UK jobs.
Backed by the AERTEAM consortium, AERALIS awaits formal MoD approval to begin production.
BAE Systems Delivers £13.7bn Boost to UK Economy
BAE Systems added £13.7bn to UK GDP in 2024, supporting over 159,000 jobs and spending £5.8bn across a UK-wide supply chain. According to Oxford Economics, the company also invested £230m in training, including 4,650 apprentices.
Over 40% of its workforce is based in the UK’s most deprived areas, reinforcing defence as a driver of economic growth and national resilience.
Aircraft Backlog Tops 16,000, Signalling Sector Surge
Global aircraft orders hit a record backlog of 16,073 in May 2025, driven by a 900% year-on-year order surge, according to ADS. The UK aerospace sector stands to benefit from over £252 billion in economic value and 15+ years of work.
May saw 303 aircraft orders—highest for the month in a decade—and 98 deliveries, up 26% year-to-date. ADS Chief Economist Aimie Stone called it a pivotal moment, urging industry and policymakers to support production ramp-up amid ongoing trade uncertainty.
UK Sells Hovercraft to Pakistan Navy
The UK has sold three refurbished Royal Marines LCAC(L) hovercraft to the Pakistan Navy, enhancing its coastal and disaster relief operations. Refitted by Griffon Marine Support, the hovercraft was retired in 2021 and transferred via a DE&S government-to-government sale.
The deal strengthens UK–Pakistan defence ties, with Griffon continuing support under a new service contract.
UKDI Launched to Accelerate Defence Innovation
The UK has launched the UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) body to fast-track advanced tech to the Armed Forces. With a £400M annual budget, UKDI will streamline procurement, support dual-use innovation, and scale prototypes to deployment.
Fully operational by 2026, it aims to strengthen national security and drive economic growth.
Royal Navy Deploys First Autonomous Minesweepers
The Royal Navy has received its first autonomous minesweeping capability with the delivery of three SWEEP systems from TKMS Atlas UK. Valued at £25 million, the unmanned systems replicate ship signatures to safely detonate modern sea mines and can be operated remotely from land or sea.
This marks the Navy’s return to minesweeping since 2005 and supports 55 skilled jobs across the UK. The system aligns with the UK’s Strategic Defence Review and aims to boost both national security and economic growth.
Marshall Sells Slingsby to Swedish Defence Group
Marshall has sold Slingsby Advanced Composites to Swedish firm Mangohojden AB, which aims to build a group of niche European defence and aerospace companies. Slingsby, a key UK composites provider, will support growing defence demand and domestic supply resilience.
Marshall expressed confidence in Mangohojden’s plans to expand Slingsby’s role in UK and NATO projects.
Raytheon UK Retains MoD Gold Award
Raytheon UK has again received the MoD’s Gold Employee Recognition Award for its strong commitment to the armed forces community and the Armed Forces Covenant. Presented during its Armed Forces Day event, the award highlights the company’s veteran recruitment, retraining, and cadet mentoring efforts.
Raytheon UK first earned the award in 2018 and remains the first UK defence company to achieve and retain gold status.
Collins Opens UK Hub for Electric Aircraft Systems
Collins Aerospace has opened a new engineering centre in Wolverhampton to develop electric thrust reverser systems, reducing aircraft weight and improving efficiency. A new assembly line in Colomiers, France, boosts production capacity.
The systems, already flying on Airbus A350s, reflect Collins’ push toward lighter, easier-to-maintain electric aircraft technologies.
UK Backs Laser Threat Detection Tech
DASA and Dstl are funding advanced laser detection systems to counter emerging directed energy threats.
Part of a themed competition, the initiative supports rapid development of novel technologies to identify high-powered laser attacks across platforms—strengthening UK defence resilience.
Airframe Designs Aligns with NCAMP for Aerospace 3D Printing
Airframe Designs has aligned its additive manufacturing processes with US NCAMP standards, ensuring repeatable, high-quality aerospace parts. The company uses ultra-polymers and a new Markforged X7 printer to produce components like radomes and electrical housings.
Recent projects span aerospace, defence, and medical sectors, reinforcing its role as a trusted supplier of advanced 3D-printed solutions.
Vertical and Bristow Expand eVTOL Partnership
Vertical Aerospace and Bristow Group are expanding their partnership to launch a turnkey eVTOL operations model. The “ready-to-fly” approach offers certified VX4 aircraft, trained crews, maintenance, and insurance—lowering barriers for customers.
Bristow pre-ordered up to 50 VX4s, with an option for 50 more. The deal supports Vertical’s Flightpath 2030 strategy and leverages Bristow’s global aviation footprint to accelerate commercial eVTOL adoption.
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