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Aerospace Defence Companies in Cardiff: 108 Active Firms (2026)
Aerospace defence companies in Cardiff design, manufacture and support aircraft, avionics, defence systems and dual-use components for regulated UK and export markets.
Buying centres in Cardiff tend to sit in engineering procurement, programme delivery, quality assurance and export-compliance teams rather than general IT budgets. Buyers are usually civil aerospace suppliers, defence primes, public-sector security customers or space-adjacent integrators, with procurement moving through qualification, audit and framework-led routes. Typical engagements look less like short software subscriptions and more like mid-market work packages, maintenance contracts, component supply, integration support or technical services tied to certification evidence, traceability and end-use assurance. Better-fit firms have specialist engineering, production, quality or programme teams and sell into regulated UK and export supply chains.
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Cardiff has 108 actively trading aerospace defence companies, a compact local cohort rather than a city-scale manufacturing base. Reported headcount across the cohort is 785 people, pointing to businesses built around specialist engineering, support and programme teams more than large production campuses. The pattern fits supplier, maintenance, integration and technical-service activity serving UK and export customers, with mid-market procurement shaped by qualification, audit requirements and repeat work rather than high-volume transactional sales.
Where civil certification or defence exports are in scope, procurement is shaped as much by permissioning as by technical fit. The CAA oversees civil aviation safety and certification, and ADS notes that the CAA now has greater rulemaking and certification authority. Alignment with EASA and closer FAA cooperation matter because market access depends on recognised certification routes. Defence and dual-use exports require checks against the consolidated list, end-use concerns and sanctions position, with licence applications handled by the Export Control Joint Unit. Exporting controlled items without the correct licence is a criminal offence.
Early-commercial and specialist-service firms appear likely to remain the bulk of the Cardiff cohort, while larger mid-market suppliers stay comparatively scarce. Certification evidence, export licensing and customer assurance requirements tend to lengthen sales cycles, so firms with repeatable quality processes and established programme teams may find it easier to win follow-on work than newer workshops. Consolidation appears plausible where smaller component, maintenance or integration suppliers need access to approved quality systems, export-compliance capacity or defence procurement channels. The market therefore looks less like a broad startup scene and more like a specialist supplier base tied to long procurement cycles.
108
Active firms
2026
5
Over £5M revenue
Cardiff cohort
32
Incorporated since 2022
Recent entrants
Key facts
About 4% of the trading cohort reports turnover above £5M (5 of 108 firms) — the rest sits below that revenue band.
29% of the cohort was incorporated since 2022 (32 firms), so a sizeable share is in its first few filing cycles.
The CAA oversees civil aviation safety and certification; alignment with EASA and closer FAA cooperation matter for market access.
Defence and dual-use exports may require Export Control Joint Unit licences under the Export Control Act 2002 and Export Control Order 2008.
UK aerospace directly employs 104,000 people, supports 6,000 apprentices, records turnover of £30.5 billion and exports £20 billion.
UK defence export orders were worth £13.2 billion in 2024, up from £11.9 billion in 2023, with annual orders averaging £9.3 billion over 2020–2024.
Aerospace products accounted for 53% of UK defence export orders over 2020–2024, the largest defence export product category across that period.
Top Cardiff Aerospace Defence companies
EM Solutions
Trajectory
5y · 2020–NowDesigns and manufactures satellite communications equipment and microwave subsystems for defence and commercial users, including naval and land‑mobile SATCOM terminals, Ka‑band amplifiers and antenna…
Serves defence and government customers, especially navies and allied military organisations, plus prime contractors in the global defence satellite communications market.
Financial Health
Insufficient historyInsufficient history
Location
Designs and supplies survival, protection and mission support equipment for defence, maritime and humanitarian sectors, including soldier sustainment gear, camouflage and signature management…
Serves defence and security organisations, armed forces, maritime operators and humanitarian agencies worldwide, including public-sector buyers and prime contractors.
Location
SPACE FORGE LIMITED
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsDevelops space-based manufacturing technology that uses microgravity to produce high-quality semiconductor substrates and crystals. Operates reusable satellites and platforms for in-space materials…
Serves B2B customers in semiconductor and advanced materials sectors, including power electronics, telecommunications and quantum technology manufacturers, plus space organisations seeking…
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Growing, Hiring · 36% CAGR over 2y
Location
TRIDENT ENGINEERING GBR LIMITED
Trajectory
2y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 2 filingsProvides precision machining and small-batch manufacturing services, producing aerostructures and aerospace components. Offers metrology, tooling, research and development, legacy machinery…
Serves B2B industrial customers in manufacturing, engineering, automotive, aerospace/aviation and marine sectors, including factories with small-batch production, R&D, maintenance and legacy…
Financial Health
WeakWeak · Hiring · 17% CAGR over 1y
Location
SHOTOVER TECHNOLOGIES LTD
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsDesigns and manufactures gyro‑stabilized camera gimbal systems and develops augmented reality mapping software for aerial imaging. Products integrate cameras, stabilization and mapping tools used in…
Serves production companies, broadcasters, industrial survey firms, utilities and public-sector agencies in law enforcement, firefighting, search and rescue, defense and homeland security.
Financial Health
StableStable · -16% CAGR over 4y
Location
GORGON BLACK BOX LTD.
Trajectory
2y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 2 filingsFinancial Health
StableStable · 0% CAGR over 1y
Location
ITSUS Consulting Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides network and cyber security consulting and engineering services for mission‑critical communications systems. Supports aerospace, defence and public sector organisations with secure…
Serves international aerospace and defence organisations, UK defence supply-chain partners, and public sector bodies running mission-critical communications and complex digital transformation…
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Hiring · 17% CAGR over 4y
Location
Hardshell UK Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsManufactures and supplies defence and medical equipment, including body armour, ballistic helmets and plates, tactical gear, uniforms and protective clothing. Produces medical consumables, PPE, first…
Sells to public-sector and B2B buyers in defence and healthcare, including armed forces, navies, ground forces, security service providers, aerospace organisations and healthcare providers.
Financial Health
DistressedDistressed · -42% CAGR over 4y
Location
Aviation (UK) Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
DistressedDistressed
Location
Pearce Precision Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
DistressedDistressed · 0% CAGR over 4y
Location
Leniad Ltd
Trajectory
2y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 2 filingsFinancial Health
StableStable · 0% CAGR over 1y
Location
OSHKOSH AEROTECH UK LIMITED
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsDesigns and supplies airport ground support equipment and gate systems, including baggage tractors, towbarless tow tractors, cargo loaders, deicers, passenger boarding bridges, and ground power…
Sells B2B to airport operators, airlines, ground handlers and defence aviation organisations, including teams responsible for airside ground operations, gate infrastructure, baggage operations and…
Financial Health
WeakWeak · Hiring · 10% CAGR over 2y
Location
JET SPANNER LTD
Trajectory
5y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
DistressedDistressed
Location
CAERDAV LIMITED
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsProvides aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services for commercial aircraft, including A–C checks, structural repairs, modifications, and engine or landing gear changes. Also offers…
Serves airlines, aircraft lessors and aviation businesses globally, particularly operators of Boeing 737 and Airbus A320-family aircraft needing independent MRO, storage, tooling or consultancy…
Financial Health
StableStable · Hiring · 30% CAGR over 2y
Location
TBD Owen Holland Holdings Limited
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsDesigns and manufactures ground support equipment and access platforms for aviation, military, and industrial use. Produces cargo dollies, baggage trailers, passenger handling equipment, aircraft…
Serves B2B customers in aviation, aerospace and defence, including airports, ground handlers, airlines, aircraft maintenance teams and military operators, plus industrial and research facilities…
Financial Health
WeakWeak · Hiring · 11% CAGR over 2y
Location
ecube
Provides aircraft storage, disassembly and transition services for asset owners and airlines. Manages aircraft part‑out, component removal and resale, logistics and customs processes, and recycling…
Serves B2B aviation customers, including aircraft asset owners, lessors, airlines, airframe and engine purchasers, parts suppliers and CAMOs managing aircraft lifecycle, storage, transition or…
Location
ecube
Provides aircraft storage, disassembly and end‑of‑life services for commercial aircraft. Removes, manages and sells reusable components, offers third‑party logistics, customs management and engine…
Targets aviation-sector businesses, including aircraft asset owners, lessors, airlines, parts suppliers, CAMOs and purchasers of airframes or engines managing aircraft lifecycle and end-of-life…
Location
AERORESPONSE LTD
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsProvides on-wing borescope inspections and in‑situ compressor blade blending and repair for aircraft engines. Performs condition monitoring inspections, airworthiness directive checks, service…
Serves airlines, aircraft operators and aviation maintenance teams with scheduled engine inspection requirements, airworthiness directive checks and on-wing support for fleets using CFM56, CF6, GE90…
Financial Health
WeakWeak · -17% CAGR over 2y
Location
ecube
Provides aircraft storage, disassembly and transition services for aviation asset owners. Manages end‑of‑life aircraft part‑out, component recovery, logistics, customs management and recycling,…
Serves aviation-sector businesses globally, including aircraft asset owners, airframe and engine purchasers, parts suppliers, CAMOs, and operators managing aircraft lifecycle, storage, transition,…
Location
ecube
Provides aircraft storage, disassembly and transition services for parked or end‑of‑life aircraft. Removes and manages components for resale or reuse, supports logistics and customs processes, and…
Serves B2B aviation customers, including aircraft asset owners, lessors, airlines, airframe and engine purchasers, parts suppliers and CAMOs involved in aircraft lifecycle, trading and end-of-life…
Location
ecube
Provides aircraft storage, disassembly and transition services for end‑of‑life and surplus aircraft, including parts removal, component storage and logistics, customs management, and recycling or…
Serves B2B customers in aviation, particularly aircraft asset owners, parts suppliers, purchasers, CAMOs and engine stakeholders needing storage, transition, disassembly and end-of-life support for…
Location
WILLIS ENGINE REPAIR CENTRE (UK) LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides aircraft engine maintenance and repair, CAMO and technical services, and aviation asset management and consultancy. Supports airlines and operators with fleet maintenance, parts sourcing,…
Serves airlines, aircraft lessors, OEMs, MRO providers and commercial aircraft operators worldwide, with additional customers in business aviation, military and cargo flight operations.
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · -67% CAGR over 4y
Location
Militec Ltd.
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsDesigns and manufactures small arms target equipment for shooting ranges, including turning and pop‑up target mechanisms, target carriers, range controllers, and computer‑aided control systems, as…
Serves military and police forces worldwide, including defence procurement teams, firearms training units, shooting range operators and maintenance personnel responsible for small-arms and tactical…
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Hiring · 10% CAGR over 2y
Location
ROSS AVIATION LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsSupplies spare parts and components for the aerospace industry, including aircraft consumables, rotables, instruments and avionics. Manages procurement, stock distribution, and exchange or repair…
Serves aerospace customers worldwide, including aircraft operators, MRO organisations, offshore oil and gas operators, government bodies and private aircraft owners using rotary and fixed-wing…
Financial Health
StableStable · -66% CAGR over 4y
Location
Allied Aerosystems Limited
Trajectory
3y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsProvides calibration, maintenance and repair of test and measurement equipment, including electrodynamics, mechanical and thermodynamic instruments. Also designs and supplies ground support…
Serves business customers that use test and measurement equipment, including organisations in aerospace, engineering, automotive, telecommunications, power generation and manufacturing needing…
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Growing, Hiring · 10% CAGR over 2y
Location
Pro-Cut Precision Engineering
Trajectory
2y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 2 filingsProvides CNC precision machining services including 3‑ and 5‑axis milling, prototype manufacture, and batch production of machined components. Uses 3D CAD/CAM design and inspection processes to…
Serves UK businesses in aerospace, automotive and motorsport, defence and military, industrial and medical sectors, including engineering teams sourcing prototypes or scheduled batch production.
Financial Health
StableStable · 0% CAGR over 1y
Location
GJD AEROTECH LTD
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsProvides aircraft asset management and end‑of‑life services, including aircraft maintenance, part‑out and component recovery. Conducts ferry flight maintenance and prepares aircraft for road…
Serves aviation-sector businesses and institutions, including aircraft owners, operators, lessors, maintenance teams, recovery projects, and aviation museums needing support with aircraft lifecycle,…
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Hiring · 73% CAGR over 2y
Location
B2Space Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides high‑altitude flight services including near‑space testing, high altitude pseudo‑satellite (HAPS) platforms, and balloon‑launched rockoon systems used to test technologies and support the…
Serves aerospace companies, satellite operators, research organisations and universities seeking high-altitude testing, HAPS missions or small/micro-satellite access to low Earth orbit, primarily in…
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Growing, Hiring · 3% CAGR over 5y
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
P E Thomas (Precision) Limited
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsProvides precision engineering and machining services, manufacturing components for the aerospace sector and other engineering applications. Operates ISO 9001 accredited processes to produce…
Serves B2B customers in the engineering community, particularly aerospace manufacturers and suppliers, as well as organisations requiring general engineering support.
Financial Health
StableStable · -15% CAGR over 2y
Location
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsSupplies and manufactures standard and bespoke fasteners for aerospace and industrial applications. Distributes nuts, bolts, screws and specialist components, and provides product matching, custom…
Serves B2B specifiers and procurement buyers in aerospace, defence, rail, medical, marine, petrochemical, oil, nuclear, automotive and microelectronics sectors, including international organisations.
Financial Health
WeakWeak · 0% CAGR over 2y
Location
TBD (Owen Holland) Limited
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsDesigns and manufactures ground support and access equipment for aviation, military and industrial use, including cargo dollies, baggage trailers, passenger boarding systems, aircraft maintenance…
Serves B2B customers in aviation, aerospace, defence and industrial sectors, including airlines, airports, MRO teams, aircraft manufacturers, military operators and specialist facilities.
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Profitable, Hiring · 11% CAGR over 2y
Location
C.MAC OPTICS LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides electronic manufacturing services, including printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), ceramic thick‑film circuits, wire bonding, box build, and high‑level assembly. Supports product…
Serves B2B OEMs and engineering teams in transportation/e-mobility, aerospace and defence, industrial/cleantech and medtech sectors across Europe and North America.
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Hiring · 26% CAGR over 4y
Location
EYE RESOLUTION LTD
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsDevelops and supplies virtual and mixed reality (VR/XR) headsets, device management software, and integration services used in simulation and training systems for aviation, military, and vehicle…
Serves defence organisations, armed forces, aviation and maritime training providers, and simulation integrators requiring mission-critical XR training environments across air, land and sea.
Financial Health
WeakWeak
Location
Aircraft Tool Hire Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides rental of aircraft maintenance tooling and test equipment for commercial airlines and maintenance organisations, including Airbus and Boeing tools, aircraft jacks, engine change tooling,…
Serves commercial airlines and aircraft maintenance organisations needing rental tooling for Boeing and Airbus fleets.
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Growing · 0% CAGR over 4y
Location
L.M.G. SOLUTIONS LIMITED
Trajectory
4y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsProvides numerical control (NC) part programming and production engineering services for manufacturing industries. Services include program optimisation, part verification, post‑processing, 2D/3D CAD…
Sells to businesses needing NC programming and production engineering support, particularly manufacturers and engineering teams in aerospace, automotive, medical, military, oil and gas, and space…
Financial Health
StableStable · 0% CAGR over 3y
Location
Aer Assist Limited
Trajectory
2y · 2024–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 2 filingsFinancial Health
DistressedDistressed
Location
Alan Thomas Business Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
DistressedDistressed · 0% CAGR over 2y
Location
C & B Aviation Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
StableStable · 0% CAGR over 5y
Location
Amelia Aerotech Limited
Trajectory
4y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsFinancial Health
StableStable · 0% CAGR over 4y
Location
Aviation Professional Services Limited
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsFinancial Health
DistressedDistressed · 0% CAGR over 2y
Location
RAABA Engineering Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
StableStable · 0% CAGR over 5y
Location
JCAVIATION Ltd
Trajectory
2y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 2 filingsFinancial Health
StableStable · 0% CAGR over 1y
Location
Easy Aero Services Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
StableStable · 0% CAGR over 5y
Location
Anikin Aviation Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
HealthyHealthy · 0% CAGR over 4y
Location
Matthew Wex Aviation Services Ltd
Trajectory
4y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsFinancial Health
StableStable · 0% CAGR over 4y
Location
ML Aerotech Limited
Trajectory
4y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsFinancial Health
StableStable · 0% CAGR over 5y
Location
J&R Aerospace Limited
Trajectory
4y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsFinancial Health
StableStable · 0% CAGR over 4y
Location
MRW Aircraft Engineer Ltd
Trajectory
3y · 2024–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsFinancial Health
DistressedDistressed
Location
JST Leisure and Travel Ltd
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsFinancial Health
StableStable · 0% CAGR over 2y
Location
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How Cardiff Aerospace Defence companies work and how to sell to them
What they do
Cardiff aerospace and defence firms usually earn revenue from engineered deliverables rather than volume software usage: design work, build-to-print parts, integration, test, maintenance support, documentation packs and specialist consultancy. Pricing tends to be milestone-based, fixed-price for defined work packages, time-and-materials for uncertain engineering tasks, or call-off ordering under an approved supplier arrangement. Revenue is often lumpy because payment follows programme gates, inspection sign-off, shipment, or repair turnaround. Margins depend on repeatability, traceability and the ability to absorb customer audits without tying too much commercial time to each bid.
Who they sell to
Most sell into defence primes, civil aerospace operators, public-sector security buyers, specialist integrators and other approved suppliers further up the chain. The first commercial sponsor may be an engineering director or programme manager, but procurement, quality, finance and export-control roles usually join before award. Contract size ranges from small investigation or repair jobs to larger qualified work packages, with the latter needing evidence of capability, insurance, certifications and end-use controls. Sales cycles commonly run over months, through direct relationships, supplier portals, framework routes, tenders and qualification audits.
What they buy
Most firms tend to buy systems that reduce evidence-gathering and rework: quality management, product lifecycle management, requirements control, document management, non-conformance tracking, calibration records, supplier assurance, export-control screening and cyber-security. Operational spend also goes into enterprise resource planning, materials planning, stock control, job costing, scheduling and maintenance management, especially where parts, tooling and inspection records must remain linked. Services pitches often fit around certification support, technical writing, bid support, legal advice on export licences, accountancy, insurance, recruitment for scarce engineering roles, and specialist testing or calibration capacity.
Why and how to sell to them
Commercial pain is usually created by long qualification cycles, late engineering changes, audit workload, export permissions, cash locked in inventory and dependence on a few programme customers. Useful triggers for outbound include a move from prototype work into repeat production, a new senior operations or quality hire, expansion into export markets, a funding event, a facility move, or recruitment across engineering and programme roles. Messages tend to work better when they are tied to bid readiness, traceability, lower audit effort, delivery reliability or faster licence preparation, rather than generic efficiency claims.
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
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