The United Kingdom has built a sterling reputation for excelling in aircraft manufacturing, which is in large part due to ongoing partnerships with private companies and the Ministry of Defense. Recent investment in the sector could also mean countless new opportunities in a field that combines engineering and tech. Here are some of the top U.K. aerospace companies to keep an eye on.
Top Aerospace Companies in the UK
- BAE Systems
- Airbus
- Rolls-Royce
- Lockheed Martin
- General Electric
Aerospace Companies in the UK
BAE Systems is the U.K.’s largest provider and manufacturer of defense aircrafts and other combat technologies. The company has multiple facilities throughout the U.K. and it employs tens of thousands of workers. Some of its other developments include surveillance systems, combat ships and radar.
Airbus is an aerospace manufacturer working in the commercial and defense sectors. In the U.K., Airbus is a supplier of large aircraft for the Royal Air Force and helicopters for civil use. In recent years, Airbus has invested in sustainable aircrafts and is developing a hydrogen-powered airliner.
Rolls-Royce has a long history of manufacturing luxury vehicles, but since the Second World War, it has also used its engineering prowess to develop jet engines. The company’s high-performance engines are designed to reduce carbon emissions and many of those engines have made their way onto civilian and defense aircrafts as well. Apart from its traditional engines, the company is exploring the possibility of electric-powered propulsion systems.
Lockheed Martin is an aerospace and defense company with expertise in aircraft, satellite and cyber technologies. In the U.K., Lockheed Martin has been influential in developing armored vehicles and aircrafts like the F-35 Lighting. It’s also initiated partnerships for space exploration opportunities.
GE Aerospace is a division of General Electric that develops propulsion systems and aircraft engines. Besides manufacturing its products, GE Aerospace’s other offerings include engine maintenance and testing services. It has also invested in decarbonization tech for commercial aircrafts as sustainability becomes a major focus for the organization.
With an office in northern Lambeth, London, Anduril provides AI-powered technology for the defense industry. It describes Lattice OS, its central offering, as “an autonomous sensemaking and command and control platform.” The company partners with military-based organizations that include the U.K. Ministry of Defence and the U.S. Department of Defense.
