These figures come from the trade association’s recently released 2023 Scotland Facts and Figures publication, which looked at the turnover, employment, and productivity value of the four aforementioned sectors.

Specifically, Scotland’s space (i.e. outside of Earth’s atmosphere) sector saw a turnover of £3.1 billion, while its aerospace (both within and outside Earth’s atmosphere) sector yielded £1.1bn. Further, the Scottish defence sector’s turnover was £2bn in 2022, while security’s was £1.4bn. Overall, around £3.2bn in value add for the UK economy was driven by the four sectors in Scotland.

In terms of employment, Scotland’s aerospace sector directly employs around 4,500 people, while the space sector employs 8,500. The defence sector, meanwhile, employs 13,250, while the figure for the security sector is 8,750. This totals around 33,500 direct employees, roughly 1,500 of whom are apprentices.

The report also highlighted that the output per worker of the four Scottish sectors is estimated to be £95,000, 47% more than the whole of the UK economy productivity value.

The publication was launched at a roundtable with Rt Hon Alister Jack MP, Secretary of State for Scotland, as well as Mark Goldsack, Director of UKDSE, and representatives from ADS businesses in the region.

Speaking on the report, Alister Jack commented: “It’s clear that Scottish skills, expertise and innovation make an enormous contribution to the UK’s defence, security, aerospace and space sectors.

“The UK Government is committed to growing our economy, including by working with these industries to support their success in the UK and in exporting overseas.”

Further, Warrick Malcolm, ADS Scotland Director, added: “Innovative Scottish businesses are major employers, and our 2023 Scotland Facts and Figures provides a snapshot of their contribution to the wider UK economy.

“ADS members in Scotland are recognised internationally for their contribution to the global sectors ADS represents. In the coming years, it is essential Scotland’s growth continues, securing the UK’s world-leading position in rapidly advancing sectors, such as Space.”

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Scotland’s space sector is arguably one of the country’s most exciting sectors, and is rising faster than anywhere else in the UK, according to Scottish Development International (SDI).

With nearly one fifth of all UK space roles are in Scotland, and with over 130 space companies currently operating across the country, the sector is aiming to grow in value to over £4 billion in 2030.

Just last week, DIGIT reported on the news that Orbex, the UK-based spaceflight company with a ‘home’ spaceport in North Scotland, has expanded its facilities ahead of the launch of its Prime rocket — a two-stage rocket designed to transport and release small satellites weighing up to 180kg.

The spaceport, which is based in Sutherland, is being built and operated by Orbex, under a fifty-year lease, with the option of extending for a further twenty-five years.