New data released today shows that the aerospace and defence industry reinforced its position as global leader in the market in 2018, despite continued economic and political uncertainties.
Aerospace and defence industry: A major pillar of the European economy
New data released today shows that the aerospace and defence industry reinforced its position as global leader in the market in 2018, despite continued economic and political uncertainties.
A champion for exports
This strategic sector reached a new record: sales growth amounted to 3.5%, with a total revenue reaching €246bn worth of state-of-the-art technology. This industry is a champion for exports amounting to €145bn, thus contributing to the European trade balance and creating prosperity for the European economy. The number of employees also increased to 870,000, compared to 865,000 in 2017
The AeroSpace and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD) published this data in the 2019 edition of its Facts & Figures. This annual publication contains the latest statistics on the European aeronautics, space, defence and security industry.
« Despite these exceptional results, this is no time to rest on one’s laurels » says ASD Secretary General Jan Pie. « This sector is facing important challenges such as the new digital revolution and its impact on technologies and skills, increasing trade tensions and the emergence of new competitors, often state-sponsored, which create unfair competition on global market.
With competition only increasing, developing the right strategies is essential to ensure Europe’s continued place at the cutting edge of innovation while securing job for hundreds of thousands of people in the EU »
