Strengths

Scotland's signifcant defence achievements

Scotland has a strong heritage in the defence sector, with a number of leading Scottish based companies playing significant roles in major international defence programmes – underpinned by world leading capability.

Almost one third of UK shipbuilding takes place in Scotland, largely as a result of naval warship construction. Also:

  • BAE Systems Maritime on the River Clyde undertakes the design, manufacture and through-life support of a range of complex warships including the class-leading Type 45 Anti Air Warfare Destroyers
  • Rosyth-based Babcock Marine is a member of the alliance of companies building the UK’s new Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers and a strategic deep maintenance base for Royal Navy warship
  • Scotland has strong expertise in the field of defence electronics. SELEX Galileo is a leader in the supply of electronic radar systems and counter measure suites for military air, land and sea platforms, heavily involved in a range of programmes such as Eurofighter, SAAB Vixen an the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter 
  • Scottish expertise in electro-optical systems is renowned globally. Thales Optronics designs and manufactures a range of systems including laser targeting and range finding devices, which are  in use by UK and overseas armed forces. Thales also provides combined sonar and electronic warfare support service to the Royal Navy’s Vanguard and Astute class submarines
  • A key element of any military platform is through life support and modification. Vector Aerospace Component Services specialises in providing one-stop-shop capability for an extensive range of rotary and fast jet aircraft mechanical and hydraulic components.

Skills and expertise

  • Scotland’s universities produce a high number of engineering graduates in appropriate, defence-related disciplines such as electrical engineering and electrical-optical systems
  • The majority of these graduates are UK citizens - which is an essential requirement for UK defence contracts
  • Relevant world-class research takes place at several institutions throughout Scotland
  • The academic sector delivers a broad pool of talent and the research to drive innovation
  • Increasing skills development within the Scottish defence industry thanks to industry training
  • Home-grown companies complement some of the world’s largest defence businesses

High-quality support infrastructure

  • An active and growing supply chain and developed infrastructure offer a broad range of support for defence companies in Scotland
  • First-rate facilities are available across Scotland, including Edinburgh’s SELEX Galileo laser centre of excellence

Collaboration

  • Strong ties in the industry ensure efficient research, development and commercial application
  • Industry support underpins collaborations between the defence sector and academic institutes through projects such as the Scottish Technology Prize, which is building better links between Thales and academia to promote the importance of research & development

Cost-competitive

  • Government funding exists which is specifically targeted for companies setting up or expanding operations in Scotland
  • Skilled and settled workforce available at competitive salaries