UK defence exports top £7bn

Monday, July 26, 2010

The UK was the second most successful defence exporter of 2009, with orders worth over £7bn, according to figures released by UK Trade & Investment's Defence and Security Organisation (UKTI DSO).

The orders brought the UK's market share in defence closer to UKTI DSO's long term goal of 20 per cent, and were an improvement on 2008's £4.2bn of exports. The UK is second only to the United States in terms of defence exports.

Richard Paniguian, Head of UKTI DSO, said: "This is another very strong performance in a very challenging global market which demonstrates the resilience of the UK's defence industry.

"The sector has performed better than many others, underlining the range of innovative defence and security products and services that the UK can offer potential overseas customers. There's no doubt that the market will remain very competitive during 2010 and beyond, but I'm confident that the UK is well positioned to continue to win new business."

The UK has been most successful in the Middle East and North America.

Saudi Arabia and India were the biggest buyers of military equipment globally, according to the figures released by UKTI DSO.