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A&D Companies in the UK: 3,240 Active Firms (2026)
Aerospace and defence companies design, manufacture and support aircraft, systems and controlled dual-use technologies across the UK.
Buying centres tend to sit in engineering, operations, procurement and programme management rather than a single software-style owner. Commercial customers usually buy specialist components, maintenance support, certification-adjacent advice or systems-integration capacity; government and export customers add security, assurance and licensing checks before work moves. Engagements are often enterprise or prime-contractor supply-chain relationships, with smaller specialists selling into qualification-heavy work packages and larger employers taking programme, manufacturing or through-life support roles. The common thread is a sales cycle shaped by technical evidence, safety case work and delivery risk, not low-touch volume purchasing.
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The UK cohort contains 3,240 actively trading A&D companies, spanning early-stage engineering specialists, manufacturing suppliers, maintenance providers and systems integrators. The mix is not just early corporate formation: a turnover-qualified layer sits alongside younger operators still proving commercial fit, which is typical of qualification-heavy supply chains where revenue can arrive after long technical gates. Firms with reported headcount account for 7,968 employees, giving the sector a visible operating footprint beyond legal entities with no apparent staff.
Civil aerospace work sits under the CAA for safety, certification and rulemaking, with alignment to EASA and closer FAA cooperation relevant where UK firms need overseas market access. Defence and controlled dual-use exports add a separate compliance layer: exporters must check the consolidated list and seek licences from the Export Control Joint Unit where items are controlled, end-use concerns arise or sanctions apply. The Export Control Act and Export Control Order make unlicensed exports a criminal matter, while ADS provides the trade-association voice across aerospace, defence, security and space.
Commercial momentum appears tied less to company formation than to whether younger specialists can pass certification, security and procurement gates without being absorbed into larger supply chains. The sector tends to reward patient engineering capacity, export-control literacy and relationships with primes or public buyers. Scarcity among scaled independent suppliers may keep acquisition interest present, particularly where capabilities sit near avionics, mission equipment, propulsion support or space-adjacent workflows. Margin pressure has been a recurring risk, because qualification costs arrive before repeatable production revenue and contracts often expose smaller teams to long working-capital cycles.
3,240
Active firms
2026
329
Above £5M
turnover threshold
743
Recent incorporations
since 2022
Key facts
About 10% of the trading cohort reports turnover above £5M (329 of 3,240 firms) — the rest sits below that revenue band.
22% of the cohort was incorporated since 2022 (743 firms), so a sizeable share is in its first few filing cycles.
UK aerospace turnover is £30.5 billion, with exports of £20 billion, direct employment of 104,000 people and support for 6,000 apprentices in the ADS 2024 outlook.
UK defence export orders reached £13.2 billion in 2024, up from £11.9 billion in 2023; annual orders averaged £9.3 billion over 2020–2024.
Aerospace products accounted for 53% of UK defence export orders over 2020–2024, making aerospace the largest defence export product category in that period.
Civil aviation safety and certification sit with the CAA; alignment with EASA and closer FAA cooperation matter for market access.
Defence and dual-use exporters must check the consolidated list and apply to the Export Control Joint Unit where items are controlled, end-use concerns arise or sanctions apply.
Top UK A&D companies
MARSHALL HOLDINGS LIMITED
Trajectory
2y · 2024–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 2 filingsProvides aerospace engineering services including aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul, modification and testing. Manufactures precision components and assemblies, delivers aviation training and…
Serves defence and aerospace customers, including governments, military aircraft operators, aircraft OEMs and aerospace prime contractors involved with critical aviation platforms.
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · 0% CAGR over 1y
Location
OVERWATCH AEROSPACE LTD
Trajectory
4y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsDesigns, engineers and manufactures unmanned aerial systems and payloads for defence applications. Develops portable drone platforms, aerial systems and system‑specific munitions, and supplies…
Sells primarily to defence and military buyers, including special operations and other end users needing unmanned systems, payloads and munitions. Targets defence-sector organisations seeking…
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Hiring · 147% CAGR over 3y
Location
RDDS AVIONICS LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsDesigns and manufactures avionics display systems, video management equipment, mission computing hardware and control interfaces, including rugged displays, cockpit digital video recorders, and…
Sells to aerospace, defence and marine organisations needing safety-critical, mission-ready hardware, including aircraft operators, airborne surveillance professionals and buyers with special mission…
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Hiring · 12% CAGR over 4y
Location
Triumph Group
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsDesigns and manufactures engineered systems, components and assemblies for aerospace and defense aircraft, including actuation and landing gear systems, hydraulic power units, cables, controls and…
Serves aerospace and defence OEMs, aftermarket operators, tier suppliers, MRO buyers, and military/public-sector defence programmes across the aircraft lifecycle.
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Hiring · 29% CAGR over 4y
Location
OVERWERX LTD
Trajectory
4y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsResearches, designs, engineers and manufactures unmanned aerial systems, payloads and system‑specific munitions for defence applications, developing portable drone platforms and aerial systems for…
Sells to defence and security customers, including military and special operations end users, seeking unmanned systems, aerial platforms and munitions. Also targets defence-sector buyers and partners…
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Growing, Hiring · 26% CAGR over 3y
Location
MEL AVIATION LIMITED
Trajectory
3y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsProvides engineering, maintenance, repair and overhaul services for civil and defence aerospace equipment. Designs, develops and manufactures aircraft oxygen, hydraulic, fuel and communication…
Serves B2B customers in civil and defence aerospace, including airlines worldwide, aircraft operators, equipment OEMs, and organisations needing aerospace engineering, MRO, calibration and ground…
Financial Health
DistressedDistressed · -4% CAGR over 2y
Location
H. R. Smith Group Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsDesigns and manufactures aerospace antennas, emergency locator transmitters, direction‑finding systems and search‑and‑rescue beacons. Also produces advanced composite materials and structures and…
Serves civil and military aviation customers, including aircraft manufacturers, operators and MRO teams, plus search and rescue organisations and defence/public-sector buyers.
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Hiring · 188% CAGR over 4y
Location
PARADIGM PRECISION BURNLEY LIMITED
Trajectory
2y · 2024–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 2 filingsManufactures complex aircraft engine components for the aerospace industry. Provides precision machining, metal forming, casting, inspection and special processing, and maintenance, repair and…
Serves B2B aerospace customers, including aircraft engine OEMs, tier-one suppliers and aviation MRO organisations involved in global engine programmes.
Financial Health
StableStable · 0% CAGR over 1y
Location
MB AEROSPACE NEWTON ABBOT LIMITED
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsManufactures precision aero‑engine components, specialising in compressor and turbine airfoils. Uses CNC machining, grinding, welding, brazing and surface treatments to produce parts for commercial…
Serves B2B aerospace, defence, industrial gas turbine and space-sector customers, including aero-engine OEMs and manufacturers needing certified component supply partners.
Financial Health
StableStable · -90% CAGR over 2y
Location
Exail Ltd
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsDevelops navigation, robotics and autonomous systems for defense, maritime and aerospace applications, including inertial navigation systems, mine countermeasure equipment, unmanned surface and…
Serves public-sector defence organisations, including navies and armies, plus maritime, offshore energy, oil and gas, construction, seabed survey, ocean science and aerospace manufacturers and…
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Growing, Hiring · 13% CAGR over 2y
Location
MERCURY COMPUTER SYSTEMS LIMITED
Trajectory
3y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsDesigns and manufactures electronics and computing systems for aerospace and defence applications, including RF and microwave components, embedded processing modules, data storage and management…
Serves aerospace and defence organisations, including defence primes, commercial aviation and space programme teams, and government mission buyers across land, sea, air, space and cyber domains.
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Hiring · 18% CAGR over 2y
Location
AFD SYSTEMS LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides aerospace engineering and certification services including systems integration, airframe and cabin interior design, additive manufacturing, tooling, test rig development, reverse…
Serves UK and global organisations in aerospace, defence and space, plus nuclear, medical, rail and motorsport sectors, including OEMs, platform operators and project teams needing specialist…
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · -57% CAGR over 4y
Location
ARROWSMITH ENGINEERING (COVENTRY) LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsManufactures precision‑engineered aerospace and aero‑engine components using CNC milling, turning, grinding and 5‑axis machining. Produces complex mill‑turned parts and large‑volume batch components,…
Serves aerospace and aero-engine manufacturers and supply-chain customers, including buyers needing development, production, aftermarket and urgent replacement component support.
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Hiring · 3% CAGR over 4y
Location
Techtest Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsDesigns and manufactures aerospace test equipment and search and rescue electronics, including emergency locator transmitters, distress beacons, direction‑finding systems and aviation antennas for…
Sells to B2B and government customers in aerospace, particularly civil and military aviation organisations and search-and-rescue operators needing airborne antennas, emergency locator beacons and…
Financial Health
StableStable · 1% CAGR over 4y
Location
EPA Manufacturing Limited
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsManufactures small arms ammunition, explosive ordnance disposal equipment, and related defence products. Provides design, development and production of bespoke defence systems, along with ammunition…
Serves defence and security buyers including the UK MoD, CAST, armed forces, government departments, national security agencies and private defence companies.
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Growing, Hiring · 17% CAGR over 2y
Location
EVOLVE DYNAMICS LIMITED
Trajectory
3y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsDesigns and manufactures uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. Supplies drone platforms, imaging payloads, tethered systems, communications and control…
Serves defence organisations, security agencies, critical infrastructure operators and inspection teams in public-sector and commercial markets requiring rugged uncrewed aerial systems.
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Hiring · 53% CAGR over 2y
Location
BUOYANCY AEROSPACE V1 LTD
Trajectory
5y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides supply chain services, metal treatment, and ultra‑precision manufacturing and assembly of components for aerospace, space, and defence programmes, supporting aircraft and defence platforms…
Serves aerospace, space and defence OEMs, prime contractors and programme partners, including aircraft manufacturers and military aviation programmes across Europe.
Financial Health
DistressedDistressed · -6% CAGR over 4y
Location
Metis Aerospace Ltd
Trajectory
4y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsDesigns and manufactures RF-based drone detection systems, signals intelligence (SIGINT) technologies, and uncrewed aircraft systems. Provides research, development, integration and support of…
Serves public, private and military organisations, including airports, prisons, critical infrastructure operators, event security teams, marine operators, VIP protection clients and defence forces.
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · 0% CAGR over 3y
Location
INSTRO PRECISION LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsDesigns and manufactures support equipment and integrated systems for military and commercial electro‑optical sensors, including surveillance systems, night‑vision devices, targeting equipment,…
Sells to defence and security organisations, military equipment programmes, special forces users, and commercial electro-optic OEMs operating in target acquisition, joint fires and surveillance…
Financial Health
StableStable · -67% CAGR over 4y
Location
MACTAGGART, SCOTT & COMPANY LIMITED
Trajectory
4y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsDesigns, manufactures, installs and supports hydraulic, electro‑hydraulic and mechanical handling equipment for naval defence applications, supplying systems used in ship and submarine operations for…
Serves naval defence customers in UK and export markets, including navies, defence primes, shipyards and procurement or engineering teams involved in submarine and warship programmes.
Financial Health
StableStable · -77% CAGR over 3y
Location
Summit Aviation Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides maintenance, repair and overhaul services for fixed‑wing aircraft and helicopters, including avionics, paint, interior refurbishment and pre‑purchase inspections. Also manufactures aircraft…
Serves general and corporate aviation operators, King Air and rotorcraft owners, government and military aircraft programs, and special mission/ISR operators with domestic and international aviation…
Financial Health
StrongStrong · -3% CAGR over 4y
Location
CRANFIELD AEROSPACE SOLUTIONS LIMITED
Trajectory
3y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsProvides aerospace engineering services including aircraft design, systems integration, flight test instrumentation, and certification support. Develops hydrogen‑electric powertrains and a…
Serves aerospace and defence organisations, including aircraft OEMs, operators, systems integrators and government defence bodies needing aircraft modification, integration, certification and testing…
Financial Health
DistressedDistressed · -1% CAGR over 2y
Location
AEROSPACE ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS LIMITED
Trajectory
3y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsProvides aerospace design engineering services for commercial and private aircraft, including cabin interior modifications, avionics, structural and exterior changes, aircraft transitions,…
Serves B2B aerospace customers, including aircraft leasing companies, MRO providers and operators of commercial and private jet aircraft worldwide.
Financial Health
StableStable · 3% CAGR over 2y
Location
N.F.F. PRECISION LIMITED
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsProvides precision engineering services including machining, welding, fabrication, assembly, inspection, non-destructive testing and painting, producing components and assemblies for aerospace and…
Serves B2B customers in the aerospace and defence sectors, including major prime contractors and related supply-chain organisations, with customers across the UK and worldwide.
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Hiring · 8% CAGR over 2y
Location
CES ADVANCED COMPOSITES UK LTD
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsDesigns, develops and manufactures advanced composite components and assemblies for aerospace and defence applications, including cabin interior parts, aerostructures, UAV and satellite structures,…
Serves aerospace, defence and space-sector organisations, including aircraft cabin and aerostructure manufacturers, UAV developers, satellite programmes and defence contractors.
Financial Health
StableStable · Hiring · 35% CAGR over 4y
Location
Percival Aviation Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsDesigns, manufactures, certifies and maintains aircraft interior components and equipment for commercial and specialist aircraft. Products include cabin fittings, lavatory and door components, seat…
Serves airlines, aircraft operators and aviation organisations needing certified aircraft interior components and cabin refurbishment support, including commercial aircraft and specialist helicopter…
Financial Health
StableStable · 2% CAGR over 4y
Location
SAM AEROSPACE (NI) LIMITED
Trajectory
3y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsProvides precision CNC machining, fabrication and assembly of complex metal components for the aerospace and advanced engineering sectors. Manufactures aircraft structural, engine and interior parts…
Serves global aerospace OEMs and leading aerospace manufacturers, including supply chain, procurement and operations teams across aircraft structures, engines and interiors programmes.
Financial Health
StableStable · Hiring · 5% CAGR over 2y
Location
ARROWSMITH ENGINEERING AND CONSULTANTS LIMITED
Trajectory
3y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsManufactures and supplies engineered components and assemblies for aerospace and defence applications, including oxygen-related ground support equipment. Provides procurement and delivery of…
Serves blue-chip businesses and organisations in aerospace and defence, alongside customers in space research, marine and other specialised industries with strict quality and certification…
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Growing · 0% CAGR over 2y
Location
HSM Aero Limited
Trajectory
4y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsManufactures complex mechanical equipment, machined components and fabricated assemblies for aerospace and defence supply chains. Provides CNC milling and turning, sheet metal fabrication, welding,…
Serves aerospace and defence prime contractors and Tier 1/Tier 2 suppliers, including aviation support customers in the UK, Europe and worldwide requiring certified supply chain partners.
Financial Health
StableStable · -8% CAGR over 3y
Location
MB AEROSPACE LIMITED
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsManufactures precision‑engineered components and assemblies for aerospace and defence applications, including machining, fabrication, assembly and testing of aircraft engine and structural parts…
Serves B2B customers in the aerospace and defence sectors, particularly aircraft engine and systems OEMs, Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, and global manufacturing supply chains.
Financial Health
StableStable · -90% CAGR over 2y
Location
M.T.I. (1998) LTD
Trajectory
5y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsManufactures aluminium components for aerospace and defence applications, specialising in aluminium salt bath dip brazing and CNC machining. Produces electronic enclosures, chassis, air and…
Serves B2B customers in the aerospace and defence sectors, including organisations running major programmes that require specialist aluminium components, electronic enclosures, chassis, cold plates…
Financial Health
StableStable · -6% CAGR over 4y
Location
AP FILTRATION LIMITED
Trajectory
2y · 2024–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 2 filingsDesigns, develops, tests and manufactures aerospace filtration systems and components, including hydraulic, fuel and oil filter elements and assemblies, as well as electrical connectors and…
Serves B2B customers in the aerospace sector, including commercial, defence, military, rotorcraft and business aviation operators, plus OEM partners needing ongoing support for established aircraft…
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Profitable, Growing, Hiring · 12% CAGR over 1y
Location
AGC Aerospace Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsActs as an intermediate holding company for a group that manufactures complex composite structures, sheet metal components and machined assemblies, and provides engineering and design services for…
Serves B2B aerospace OEMs, original design manufacturers, defence contractors, and commercial and military aviation programmes, with customers in global markets.
Financial Health
WeakWeak · -4% CAGR over 4y
Location
ROBAND ELECTRONICS LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsDesigns and manufactures electronic power supplies for aerospace and defence applications, including avionics, missiles, torpedoes, naval vessels, and fixed or mobile land systems, supplying power…
Sells to B2B and defence-sector customers needing power supplies for avionic, fixed-wing and rotorcraft systems, missiles and torpedoes, surface and underwater vessels, and fixed or mobile land…
Financial Health
StableStable · -67% CAGR over 4y
Location
RHEA GROUP LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides engineering and technical services for space and security sectors, including space systems engineering, ground and mission operations support, cybersecurity, security operations centres, and…
Serves institutional and commercial organisations in space, defence/security and mission-critical engineering, including space agencies, satellite operators, infrastructure owners and teams needing…
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Growing, Hiring · 5% CAGR over 5y
Location
Aviation Requirements Ltd
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsProvides defence consultancy services including technical and logistic support, project management, systems engineering, and airworthiness and safety advice. Supports military aviation and defence…
Serves the UK MoD, other government departments, and large and small defence-sector companies involved in air, land and sea programmes, including Royal Navy, Army and RAF environments.
Financial Health
StableStable · Hiring · 12% CAGR over 2y
Location
Piran Composites Ltd.
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsDesigns and manufactures advanced composite components and assemblies, including lightweight structural parts and tooling. Provides in-house engineering, R&D, CNC machining, mould tooling, and volume…
Serves global OEMs and prime businesses in aerospace, space, UAV, defence, automotive, motorsport, medical, renewables, technology and marine sectors, as a Tier 1/2 supplier.
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Hiring · 29% CAGR over 2y
Location
VORTICITY LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides aerospace engineering services including computational fluid dynamics and fluid‑structure interaction simulation, design and testing of entry, descent and landing systems, parachutes,…
Serves aerospace, space and defence organisations, including government space agencies, prime contractors, research institutions and mission teams developing launch, re-entry, descent and landing…
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Hiring · 3% CAGR over 4y
Location
AEROFORMA TECHNOLOGIES (NORTH) LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides manufacturing and engineering services for the aerospace industry, including CNC machining, CNC profiling, metal forming, component assembly, pipe manipulation, welding and brazing,…
Serves B2B aerospace industry customers across the UK and mainland Europe, including manufacturers, primes and supply-chain organisations.
Financial Health
WeakWeak · -70% CAGR over 4y
Location
ZERO ALPHA SOLUTIONS LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsSupplies expeditionary energy and information systems for defence and security operations, including hybrid power systems, battery management units, generators, lighting and communications equipment,…
Serves military forces and defence and security organisations in the UK and Europe, particularly commanders and units involved in early-entry operations in austere or zero-infrastructure environments.
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Hiring · 26% CAGR over 4y
Location
Xcel Aerospace Limited
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsManufactures precision aerospace components using 5‑axis CNC and multi‑axis machining, sliding head turning and water‑jet cutting. Provides sheet metal fabrication, Nadcap welding, prototyping,…
Serves aerospace and advanced-sector businesses, including OEMs and tier suppliers seeking manufactured components, assemblies and supply-chain support for critical aerospace programmes.
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Profitable · -2% CAGR over 2y
Location
Impcross Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides precision CNC machining and engineering services, manufacturing complex prismatic and rotating components for aerospace, defence and civil applications. Offers assembly, prototyping,…
Serves international aerospace, defence and civil-sector manufacturers and MRO organisations needing complex machined and assembled components, prototypes, legacy parts, and batch or volume…
Financial Health
DistressedDistressed · -8% CAGR over 4y
Location
Copas Technologies Ltd.
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsManufactures precision engineered metal components for aerospace, defence and space sectors. Operates automated machining and hard‑metal manufacturing cells, supplying parts and engineering support…
Serves B2B manufacturers and supply-chain teams in the aerospace, defence and space sectors, including organisations needing precision engineering partners for critical components.
Financial Health
StrongStrong · -6% CAGR over 2y
Location
DRALLIM INDUSTRIES LIMITED
Trajectory
4y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsDesigns and manufactures specialist engineering equipment for aerospace, utilities and industrial sectors, including cargo hooks, fast roping systems, lashing restraints, cable protection and…
Serves B2B and public-sector customers in aerospace, defence, industrial manufacturing and utilities, including the UK MoD, military agencies, gas networks, telecoms operators and electrical power…
Financial Health
WeakWeak · -5% CAGR over 3y
Location
AISH TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsDesigns and manufactures systems that protect electronic equipment in harsh environments, including rugged display systems, electronic cabinets, cathodic protection and degaussing systems, and…
Serves defence, marine and commercial organisations, including procurement teams for naval submarine and surface ship programmes, land-based military platforms, and buyers operating equipment in…
Financial Health
StableStable · -86% CAGR over 2y
Location
RHH Franks Limited
Trajectory
2y · 2024–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 2 filingsManufactures precision engineered components and assemblies for aerospace and related industries. Provides CNC machining, dip brazing, sheet metal fabrication, heat treatment, chemical processing,…
Serves B2B organisations in aerospace, nuclear, defence and marine supply chains, from engineering teams needing prototypes to buyers sourcing batch-manufactured components and assemblies.
Financial Health
StableStable · 5% CAGR over 1y
Location
Repaircraft PLC
Trajectory
2y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 2 filingsDesigns, manufactures and supports defence and aerospace equipment. Supplies and manages spare parts for military systems including armoured fighting vehicles, aircraft and naval equipment, and…
Sells to defence and aerospace organisations, primarily B2B and government/public-sector buyers needing equipment, spare parts and upgrades for land, sea and air platforms, including armoured…
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Profitable, Growing, Hiring · 21% CAGR over 1y
Location
Kongsberg Norcontrol Limited
Trajectory
4y · 2022–NowDevelops and supplies high‑technology systems and software for maritime, defence, aerospace and energy sectors, including vessel traffic management, surveillance, navigation and digital operations…
Serves B2B and public-sector customers in defence, energy/oil and gas, maritime, fisheries and aerospace, including global industrial operators and government defence organisations.
Financial Health
Insufficient historyInsufficient history · 37% CAGR over 2y
Location
EXSEL DESIGN AND INTEGRATION LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsDesigns and integrates electromechanical, electronic and communications systems for vehicles, mobile platforms and containerised solutions. Provides vehicle modifications, equipment ruggedisation,…
Serves defence and government procurement teams, military vehicle operators, and specialist civilian organisations with severe-environment or rapid-deployment requirements, including ND Defense users…
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Hiring · 20% CAGR over 4y
Location
Repaircraft (UK) Limited
Trajectory
2y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 2 filingsDesigns, manufactures and supplies spare parts and components for defence equipment, including armoured fighting vehicles, aircraft and naval systems, and provides engineering and technical support…
Serves defence and aerospace organisations, including armed forces, defence ministries and contractors responsible for land, sea and air military platforms such as armoured vehicles, aircraft and…
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Profitable, Growing, Hiring · 21% CAGR over 1y
Location
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How UK A&D companies work and how to sell to them
What they do
Revenue usually comes from build-to-print manufacturing, design and qualification work, maintenance support, spares, testing, systems integration and specialist engineering services. Pricing often mixes fixed-price work packages, cost-plus contracts, milestone payments, retainer support and day-rate engineering resource, with licence income appearing where firms own reusable designs, software or intellectual property. The product shape is rarely a single SKU. A typical supplier may combine physical components, controlled documentation, test evidence, repair capability and certification support into one commercial offer. Repeat revenue tends to come after qualification, when a component or support process becomes embedded in a programme or maintenance cycle.
Who they sell to
Customers are typically prime contractors, tiered suppliers, airlines, maintenance operators, space-adjacent buyers, government teams and export customers. Buying groups usually include engineering, quality, commercial, security and procurement staff, with CFOs involved where working capital, guarantees or programme risk are material. Most sales are direct and relationship-led, though public sector and prime-led work often arrives through tenders, approved supplier lists, framework agreements or qualification gates. Sales cycles tend to be long because buyers need evidence of technical fit, safety performance, delivery capacity and compliance before commercial terms become the main issue.
What they buy
Most A&D firms tend to spend on engineering software, quality management, requirements tracking, configuration control, document management, ERP and manufacturing planning, supplier management, cybersecurity, export-control workflows and project finance tooling. Physical and technical spend can include test equipment, calibration, metrology, secure facilities, specialist recruitment, certification advice, insurance, legal support and outsourced engineering capacity. Firms with manufacturing exposure often care about traceability from quote to shipment, while service and maintenance operators need scheduling, parts control and evidence capture. Sellers should expect buyers to ask how any new system fits existing approval processes rather than treating software adoption as a standalone decision.
Why and how to sell to them
A&D buyers tend to evaluate vendors when a programme moves from prototype to production, a prime customer tightens supplier requirements, CAA-related evidence work increases, export activity needs tighter controls, or a new operations or procurement leader inherits delivery risk. Funding, headcount growth and a move into larger premises can also signal intent, especially among younger specialists trying to industrialise engineering work. Outbound angles usually work better when framed around audit readiness, traceability, reduced rework, supplier assurance, working-capital visibility or bid support. Generic productivity claims are less persuasive than proof that a vendor understands qualification gates, controlled information and long programme cycles.
How this list is built
Data sources
This list is built from UK Companies House filings, XBRL accounts data, and semantic analysis of each company's public website. Revenue and headcount figures come from the most recent filed accounts; where the company has not filed, values are estimated using a model trained on filed history and peer benchmarks and are labelled as estimates.
Classification
Rather than relying solely on SIC codes, Firmbase classifies each company semantically: the company's website is crawled, an AI model reads what the company actually sells, and the company is placed into the relevant industry and subsectors. SIC codes are used as one signal but not the only one. This means a company that registered under a generic SIC code but pivoted into (for example) fintech is correctly identified as fintech, not as its original SIC category.
Freshness
The underlying company data is refreshed from Companies House continuously; filings appear in the list within days of submission. The curated list ordering is regenerated when the underlying data moves meaningfully (company count changes by more than 5%, a new company enters the top-ranked segment, or the filed-revenue numbers for the top firms change). You can see the last-updated timestamp near the top of the page.
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Frequently asked questions
How many A&D companies are there in the UK?
What counts as a A&D company in this list?
Which are the largest A&D companies in the UK?
What do A&D companies in the UK actually do?
How does UK A&D compare internationally?
How is this list built and how fresh is the data?
How big are the typical A&D companies in the UK?
Are these mostly new or established A&D companies?
What SIC codes does this use?
What buying signals should I look for?
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