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Aerospace and Defence Companies in Glasgow: 28 Active Firms (2026)
Aerospace and defence companies in Glasgow design, manufacture and support aircraft, space, security and controlled defence systems across the city region.
Procurement usually sits with engineering, programme delivery, compliance and technical operations teams rather than general IT or facilities buyers. Glasgow suppliers in this field tend to sell into prime-contractor supply chains, public-sector defence programmes, civil aviation operators and space-related engineering groups. Engagements are rarely transactional: buyers typically expect certified processes, controlled documentation, long qualification cycles and support capacity beyond design or build. The commercial sweet spot is therefore multi-million-pound work packages, specialist integration contracts and maintenance or assurance retainers, with smaller firms often acting as component, subsystem or technical-service suppliers into larger programmes.
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Glasgow has 28 actively trading aerospace and defence companies in this cohort, a small industrial base compared with the UK-wide supply chain but one with a visible engineering and services footprint. Reported headcount across the cohort is 679 people, suggesting that the local list is not just shell entities or project vehicles. The shape is mixed: several businesses sit in the multi-million-pound turnover band implied by regulated manufacturing and programme support, while newer entrants appear around space, security and specialist technical services rather than full aircraft production.
Civil aviation work brings CAA safety and certification requirements into the sales process, especially where design, production, maintenance or continuing airworthiness activity is involved. ADS has flagged the importance of UK rulemaking and certification capacity, alongside alignment with EASA and closer FAA cooperation for market access. Defence and dual-use exports add a separate control layer: exporters must check the consolidated list and seek Export Control Joint Unit licences where goods, software, technology, end-use concerns or sanctions bring an item within scope. Operating without the right licence is a criminal offence, so compliance capability is part of the commercial proposition.
Future development appears likely to favour firms that can sit inside larger certified programmes rather than those selling generic engineering capacity. Glasgow’s smaller suppliers may find demand in subsystem work, assurance, test support and space-adjacent services, but qualification cycles tend to slow conversion from technical capability into repeat revenue. Scale-up scarcity also matters: defence and aerospace buyers prefer suppliers that can evidence process control, continuity and export compliance. Consolidation remains plausible where specialist teams need access to programme management, certification capacity or international sales channels, although the local base still looks more like a set of specialised suppliers than a dense manufacturing cluster.
28
Active firms
2026
6
Above £5M
reported revenue
7
Since 2022
new incorporations
Key facts
About 21% of the trading cohort reports turnover above £5M (6 of 28 firms) — the rest sits below that revenue band.
25% of the cohort was incorporated since 2022 (7 firms), so a sizeable share is in its first few filing cycles.
Civil aviation work sits under the CAA, with rulemaking and certification authority now more material to UK market access alongside EASA alignment and FAA cooperation.
Defence and dual-use exporters must use UK strategic export controls where controlled items, end-use concerns or sanctions apply.
The legal basis includes the Export Control Act 2002 and Export Control Order 2008; exporting controlled items without the correct licence is a criminal offence.
UK aerospace turnover was £30.5 billion in 2024, with £20 billion of exports and 104,000 direct jobs.
UK defence export orders reached £13.2 billion in 2024, up from £11.9 billion in 2023, and averaged £9.3 billion over 2020–2024.
Top Glasgow aerospace and defence companies
Designs, builds and operates satellite constellations and ground infrastructure to collect space-based data, providing analytics, weather forecasting, aviation tracking, radio‑frequency geolocation…
Serves government agencies and commercial organisations needing satellite-derived data, including defence and security teams, aviation operators, weather and climate-risk analysts, environmental…
Location
CRAFT PROSPECT LTD
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsDesigns and develops small satellite missions and space technologies, including nanosatellite systems, onboard AI software, smart sensors, and quantum key distribution payloads. Provides mission…
Serves governmental agencies and commercial space organisations developing small satellite missions, including buyers of Earth observation, space domain awareness, onboard AI and quantum-secure…
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Hiring · 11% CAGR over 2y
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
TURNER AVIATION LIMITED
Trajectory
2y · 2024–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 2 filingsProvides maintenance, repair and overhaul of aircraft electrical generators, emergency locator transmitters and cockpit printers. Distributes aviation spare parts and overhaul kits, and manufactures…
Serves B2B aviation and industrial customers, including aircraft operators, MROs and parts buyers needing generators, ELTs, cockpit printers and spares, plus industrial gas turbine businesses…
Financial Health
StableStable · Hiring · 15% CAGR over 1y
Location
Sarkar Tactical Ltd
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsDesigns, manufactures and supplies ballistic body armour, helmets and tactical equipment including EOD and demining gear and communication headsets, with product testing, R&D and training services…
Serves military forces, law enforcement, government agencies, police units, UN organisations, and EOD/demining teams requiring tactical protective equipment and communications gear.
Financial Health
StableStable · Hiring · 12% CAGR over 2y
Location
STATION DUNDEE LTD
Trajectory
4y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsOperates a commercial satellite ground station providing satellite data reception, downlink and processing services. Supplies Earth observation data and supports small satellite operators with ground…
Serves UK and international space-sector organisations, especially small satellite operators, Earth observation data users, research bodies and agencies needing access to satellite ground-station…
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Hiring · 44% CAGR over 3y
Location
Provides engineering and technical support services for defence and civil sectors, including maintenance and lifecycle support for naval vessels, military vehicles and aircraft, training services,…
Serves government, defence and critical-infrastructure customers in marine, nuclear, land and aviation sectors, including armed forces, NATO-related programmes and public-sector agencies in the UK…
Location
QUINN AEROSPACE LTD
Trajectory
3y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsFinancial Health
StableStable · 0% CAGR over 2y
Location
Alba Ultrasound Limited
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsDesigns and manufactures ultrasonic transducers and piezocomposite sonar arrays for underwater sensing systems. Produces bespoke arrays used in seafloor surveying, navigation and obstacle avoidance,…
Serves defence, oil and gas, commercial marine and scientific organisations worldwide, particularly teams developing underwater sonar systems for survey, navigation, imaging, intruder detection, mine…
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Growing · 5% CAGR over 2y
Location
Howco
Manufactures and distributes high‑performance alloy materials, tubing and precision‑machined components. Provides services including forging, heat treatment, deep hole boring, CNC machining, additive…
Serves B2B customers in oil and gas, chemical processing, energy and aerospace sectors that require high-performance alloy materials and precision components for demanding operating environments.
Location
Aeromat Ltd
Trajectory
2y · 2024–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 2 filingsFinancial Health
DistressedDistressed · 0% CAGR over 1y
Location
OPEC CBRNE LTD
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsDesigns and manufactures CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear) protective clothing, including lightweight and medium‑weight suits, base layers and accessories, using specialised…
Serves military, emergency response and other organisations worldwide whose personnel operate in CBRN threat environments, including end users and procurement teams.
Financial Health
DistressedDistressed · 0% CAGR over 4y
Location
Castle Precision Engineering (Glasgow) Limited
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsProvides precision engineering and subcontract machining services, manufacturing complex machined components and assemblies. Offers CNC machining and project management for sectors including…
Serves B2B multinational manufacturers in demanding high-tech sectors, including aerospace, safety systems and oilfield production equipment, mainly across Europe and North America.
Financial Health
StableStable · Hiring · 11% CAGR over 2y
Location
Astec Precision
Trajectory
2y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 2 filingsProvides CNC precision machining services using Swiss‑type sliding head machines to manufacture small‑diameter metal and plastic components, including connector pins, shells and assemblies. Produces…
Serves B2B manufacturers and engineering teams in interconnect, aerospace, defence, medical, industrial, automotive, motorsport, energy and oil and gas sectors, including global firms needing…
Financial Health
WeakWeak
Location
HYMEC ENGINEERING SERVICES LIMITED
Trajectory
4y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsProvides precision engineering and manufacturing services including CNC milling and turning, sheet metal fabrication, component assembly, surface treatments, and quality inspection, producing complex…
Serves B2B customers in the aerospace, automotive, motorsport and medical sectors, including national and international manufacturers and engineering teams needing precision components and assemblies.
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Growing, Hiring · 26% CAGR over 3y
Location
MCCARTHY AVIATION SERVICES LTD
Trajectory
2y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 2 filingsFinancial Health
HealthyHealthy · 0% CAGR over 1y
Location
LUNAR EXPLORATION LTD
Trajectory
2y · 2024–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 2 filingsDevelops planetary geospatial intelligence software and datasets for lunar exploration, integrating imagery, altimetry, spectroscopy, radar and other mission data into 3D lunar maps used for resource…
Serves space agencies, lunar lander and rover operators, space mining companies, and ISRU operators involved in commercial or scientific Moon missions.
Financial Health
StableStable · -44% CAGR over 1y
Location
JENNINGS AVIATION LTD
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsFinancial Health
DistressedDistressed
Location
AV8 Technical Solutions Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
DistressedDistressed
Location
CS AEROSPACE LTD
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsFinancial Health
StrongStrong
Location
CRAIG ENGINEERING SERVICES LTD
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial Health
Insufficient historyInsufficient history
Location
JFC Aviation Limited
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsFinancial Health
DistressedDistressed
Location
RLK Defence Limited
Trajectory
2y · 2024–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 2 filingsFinancial Health
StableStable
Location
ALBA ORBITAL LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsDesigns and manufactures PocketQube pico‑satellites and deployers, and provides satellite launch services. Offers the Unicorn satellite platform, satellite testing facilities, ground station…
Serves space agencies, universities, research groups and commercial space companies seeking low-cost PocketQube satellite missions, launch access, test facilities, ground-station communications and…
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Hiring · 16% CAGR over 4y
Location
Skyrora
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsDesigns and develops launch vehicles and rocket engines for small satellite missions, including orbital and suborbital rockets. Provides payload integration and launch services and develops in‑orbit…
Sells to satellite operators, spacecraft developers and space-sector organisations needing dedicated launch, payload integration and in-orbit services for small satellites, particularly customers…
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Hiring · 17% CAGR over 4y
Location
Islander Aircraft Ltd.
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsProvides aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul services, specialising in Britten‑Norman BN2 Islander aircraft. Offers inspections, modifications, rebuilds, avionics upgrades, airworthiness…
Sells to aircraft owners and operators needing maintenance, repairs, modifications, airworthiness support or aircraft purchases, especially those operating Britten-Norman BN2 Islander aircraft.
Financial Health
StableStable · Hiring · 21% CAGR over 2y
Location
Cormack (Aircraft Services) Limited
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsProvides aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, specialising in Britten‑Norman BN2 Islander aircraft. Offers inspections, modifications, avionics upgrades, structural repairs,…
Serves aviation businesses, fleet operators and private aircraft owners, with a focus on Britten-Norman BN2 Islander operators, plus buyers seeking refurbished Islander and other aircraft.
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Hiring · 15% CAGR over 2y
Location
SUB AC Limited
Trajectory
3y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsDesigns and manufactures electromagnetic solenoids, solenoid valves, electric locks and latches, and holding and release electromagnets. Provides in‑house design, R&D, assembly, and bespoke…
Serves B2B engineering and procurement teams in aerospace, defence, medical device and industrial sectors requiring bespoke electromechanical components and systems.
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Hiring · 41% CAGR over 2y
Location
EUROSCOT ENGINEERING LIMITED
Trajectory
3y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsManufactures high‑tolerance precision engineered mechanical components for defence, aerospace, satellite and electronics industries. Provides CNC machining including 3‑ to 5‑axis milling, turning and…
Serves B2B and defence supply-chain customers, including defence contractors, aerospace and satellite manufacturers, electronics firms, and general engineering businesses requiring precision…
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Hiring · 6% CAGR over 2y
Location
WELL MACHINED LTD
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsProvides integrated engineering and manufacturing services including precision machining, surface treatment, assembly and validation. Delivers prototype and production components and equipment for…
Serves B2B customers in energy, aerospace, renewables, defence and high-performance industrial sectors, including teams needing accountable suppliers for prototypes, production and qualified…
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Hiring · 9% CAGR over 2y
Location
A.D.S. Engineering Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsManufactures precision-engineered components using CNC lathes and three-, four- and five-axis machining. Produces complex parts from metals including aluminium, brass, steel, titanium and stainless…
Sells to businesses in aerospace and defence, particularly buyers needing subcontract precision components. Also serves firms in aircraft, fibre optics and hydraulics, likely engineering and…
Financial Health
StableStable
Location
CHADBURNS MOLLART PT LTD
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsManufactures manual and power transmission components including couplings, drive and torque shafts, universal joints, gearboxes, and valve and actuator control equipment. Supplies equipment for…
Serves B2B and defence customers in land and marine sectors, including power stations, industrial works, nuclear facilities, paper mills, wind turbines, merchant ships, oil rigs, submarines and…
Financial Health
StableStable · Hiring · 6% CAGR over 2y
Location
RLK Technologies Limited
Trajectory
2y · 2024–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 2 filingsDevelops AI software for defence and autonomous systems, including vision‑based UAV navigation, autonomous drone control platforms, and AI‑driven data capture and analytics for unmanned aerial…
Serves defence-sector organisations and buyers needing AI-powered autonomous systems, including customers seeking UAV navigation, drone control and AI-driven data capture analytics.
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Hiring · 60% CAGR over 1y
Location
Heli Air Scotland Limited
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsProvides helicopter services including new and used Robinson helicopter sales, pilot flight training courses, charter and sightseeing flights, maintenance and engineering, spare parts supply, and…
Sells to consumers buying helicopter rides, lessons and gifts, aspiring private and commercial pilots, and helicopter owners or operators needing aircraft sales, maintenance, charter, utility…
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Growing, Hiring · 22% CAGR over 2y
Location
MARTIN PRECISION LTD
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides precision engineering and manufacturing of components and assemblies for aerospace, medical, defence and energy sectors. Offers design support, machining and production of quality‑critical…
Serves B2B customers in quality-critical aerospace, medical, defence and energy sectors, including organisations needing precision manufactured components for critical applications and extreme…
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · -6% CAGR over 4y
Location
MOORFIELD INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
Trajectory
3y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsManufactures specialist lithium-based battery packs, including custom-designed and standard units, primarily for oil and gas exploration equipment, oceanographic and seismic surveying systems, and…
Serves B2B customers in oil and gas exploration and production, plus oceanographic and seismic surveying firms, military/aerospace buyers, industrial OEMs, and related service companies.
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Growing, Hiring · 7% CAGR over 2y
Location
AIR RESCUE SYSTEMS LTD
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
StableStable
Location
AERIUS MARINE UK LTD
Trajectory
5y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsDesigns, supplies and installs HVAC-R systems for ships and offshore vessels. Provides engineering, component selection, piping and refrigeration systems, fire protection integration, commissioning,…
Serves maritime businesses and defence/public-sector buyers, including customers in cruise and ferry, naval, specialised vessel, yachting and offshore renewables markets.
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Growing, Hiring · 21% CAGR over 5y
Location
CLYDE FASTENERS LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsManufactures precision engineering fasteners including bolts, nuts, studs and socket screws. Provides design, prototyping, testing and production of high‑tensile and custom fasteners for aerospace,…
Serves B2B customers in aerospace, rail, defence, oil and gas, energy, construction and mining, including engineering teams and procurement buyers needing critical-use fastening components for…
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · -4% CAGR over 4y
Location
TEZGYAHOV LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
DistressedDistressed
Location
PBM AEROSPACE LTD
Trajectory
5y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
HealthyHealthy · 0% CAGR over 3y
Location
AJB AVIATION SERVICES LIMITED
Trajectory
4y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsFinancial Health
DistressedDistressed
Location
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How Glasgow aerospace and defence companies work and how to sell to them
What they do
Glasgow aerospace and defence suppliers usually earn revenue through contracted engineering, manufacturing, integration, test, maintenance and assurance work rather than short self-serve purchases. Income can combine fixed-price work packages, milestone-based development, time-and-materials engineering support, certification documentation, spares, repair activity and longer support retainers. Some sell physical components or subsystems; others sell technical services around design evidence, safety cases, software assurance or mission-specific integration. Pricing tends to reflect risk transfer, documentation burden and the cost of staying qualified in a controlled supply chain. Even smaller engagements often require bid effort, change-control discipline and proof that the supplier can support the customer through the life of the programme.
Who they sell to
Customers are typically prime contractors, tiered suppliers, civil aviation operators, space engineering groups and public-sector defence buyers. The day-to-day sponsors are often engineering directors, programme managers, heads of quality, safety managers, procurement leads and technical operations teams, with finance involved once delivery risk and liability are clear. Most opportunities arrive through direct sourcing, supplier portals, framework competitions or formal tenders rather than casual outbound conversion. Qualification can take longer than the commercial negotiation, because buyers need evidence of traceability, information security, export-control handling, production control and continuity. Contract values vary by role in the supply chain, but even modest work packages may carry heavy assurance overhead.
What they buy
Most aerospace and defence firms tend to spend on systems and services that protect margin, traceability and programme delivery. Relevant categories include quality management, product lifecycle management, manufacturing planning, controlled-document systems, cyber security, export-control screening, supplier risk monitoring, bid management, project controls and finance tools that can handle milestone billing. Engineering-heavy firms also buy simulation, test, calibration, inspection and lab support, alongside specialist recruitment for safety, airworthiness, systems engineering and security-cleared roles. Legal, insurance and accounting suppliers can fit where contracts include liability caps, intellectual-property ownership, grant funding, international shipments or regulated technical data.
Why and how to sell to them
Buying intent usually shows up when a supplier wins a new programme role, prepares for a CAA-related audit, expands exports, adds production capacity or moves from consultancy-style engineering into repeatable delivery. Leadership changes in quality, operations or programme delivery can also reopen vendor choices, especially after missed milestones, audit findings or margin pressure on fixed-price work. Outbound messages tend to land better when they reference specific operating constraints: bid readiness, evidence packs, controlled access to technical files, supplier onboarding, export licence workflow or recruitment bottlenecks. Generic productivity claims are less useful than showing how a category reduces rework, de-risks qualification or shortens preparation for customer review.
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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