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Defence Companies in Portsmouth: 28 Active Firms (2026)
Defence companies in Portsmouth provide security, engineering and operational support for military and public-sector customers in the city-region.
Procurement tends to sit with defence programme teams, secure operations leads and engineering managers rather than generic facilities or IT buyers. Local suppliers are likely to sell to military, government, public-safety and critical-infrastructure customers, with work framed as assurance-heavy services rather than volume software. Engagements range from specialist consultancy and training to maintenance, logistics and systems-integration packages, often with staged delivery, evidence requirements and operational continuity baked into the contract. The buying motion is therefore slower and more formal than a normal commercial-services sale, but not necessarily enterprise-scale in every case.
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Portsmouth has 28 actively trading defence companies in this cohort, so the local market is better read as a specialised supplier base than a broad national cluster. Reported employment totals 406 people, which points to many firms built around specialist delivery teams rather than large delivery centres. Only 3 companies report revenue above £5M, and 4 have been incorporated since 2022, suggesting a mix of established contractors and a smaller intake of newer service providers. The city-region’s role appears tied to operational support, engineering and secure service delivery for public-sector customers rather than high-volume commercial markets.
Defence suppliers in Portsmouth operate in a public-procurement environment where security, assurance and continuity are part of the sale rather than post-contract administration. Buyers tend to ask for evidence of controlled access, resilient delivery, auditable processes and staff suitability before moving from bid to award. For engineering, maintenance and logistics work, the commercial risk often sits in integration and service reliability: a supplier can be technically capable, but still slow to contract if documentation, subcontractor controls or operational contingency planning are incomplete. That tends to favour firms with repeat public-sector delivery experience over businesses trying to enter from ordinary industrial services.
Portsmouth’s defence supply base appears likely to remain service-led, with engineering support, secure operations and consultancy carrying more of the cohort than pure product development. New entrants tend to face a longer trust-building cycle than normal commercial-services firms, because qualification, assurance and delivery references matter before procurement conversations mature. Scale-up scarcity may persist: the work can be dependable once embedded, but contract intensity and security requirements make volume expansion difficult. Consolidation also looks plausible around specialist teams that already understand public-sector delivery, especially where buyers want fewer hand-offs across maintenance, training and technical support.
28
Active firms
2026
3
Revenue over £5M
Active firms
4
Recent incorporations
Since 2022
Key facts
About 10% of the trading cohort reports turnover above £5M (3 of 28 firms) — the rest sits below that revenue band.
14% of the cohort was incorporated since 2022 (4 firms), so a sizeable share is in its first few filing cycles.
Portsmouth’s defence supplier base is tied to military and public-sector buying, with work centred on security, engineering and operational support.
Procurement tends to favour firms that can evidence delivery capacity, technical assurance and fit with public-sector contracting processes.
The local market appears mixed by delivery model, spanning advisory, engineering, contracting and project-support activity.
Top Portsmouth Defence companies
Subsea Craft
Develops maritime technologies and specialised surface and submersible craft for defence and security applications, including platforms for maritime mobility, testing and deployment of military…
Serves defence and maritime security customers, particularly naval forces and UK military stakeholders involved in testing, procurement and deployment of maritime capabilities.
Financial Health
Insufficient historyInsufficient history
Location
SIRIUS ANALYSIS LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides technical and management consultancy services including operational analysis, cost engineering, systems engineering, programme and project management (P3M), and business case development.…
Serves UK public-sector bodies and large organisations in defence, energy and sustainability, nuclear, space and transport, including government programme teams making major investment and…
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Hiring · 108% CAGR over 4y
Location
SIRIUS DIGITAL SERVICES LIMITED
Trajectory
2y · 2024–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 2 filingsProvides software engineering services including modelling and simulation, optimisation algorithms, and development of synthetic training environments. Works on robotics and autonomous systems…
Serves UK defence organisations and adjacent technical sectors, including teams working on autonomous systems, synthetic training environments, land and maritime simulation, and offshore wind farm…
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Hiring · 29% CAGR over 1y
Location
Metaverse VR Ltd
Trajectory
3y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsDevelops virtual, augmented and mixed reality software and simulations for training and operational preparation. Builds immersive 3D environments and modelling systems for sectors including defence,…
Serves defence, aerospace, maritime, land operations and emergency response organisations, including public-sector and private-sector teams needing immersive training and simulation environments.
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Growing, Hiring · 246% CAGR over 2y
Location
Scott Cables Limited
Trajectory
4y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsDesigns and manufactures electrical and RF cable assemblies and wiring harnesses. Distributes RF cables, connectors and related components, and provides subcontract assembly, kitting and design…
Serves B2B and public-sector customers needing cable interconnects, including aerospace, automotive, defence, energy, industrial, marine, medical, rail, telecoms and broadcast, unmanned vehicle and…
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Hiring · 10% CAGR over 3y
Location
Besoco Ltd
Trajectory
3y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsFinancial Health
DistressedDistressed
Location
Fitztech Machining Ltd
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides precision CNC machining services including milling and turning to manufacture custom metal and plastic components. Produces engineered parts for sectors such as medical, motorsport, defence,…
Serves businesses and defence buyers in medical/biomedical, motorsport and automotive, military/MOD, marine, construction and aerospace sectors, mainly around Portsmouth, Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire…
Financial Health
StableStable · -36% CAGR over 4y
Location
KEVIN TIBBLE CONSULTING LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
DistressedDistressed · 0% CAGR over 4y
Location
APL ENGINEERING LTD
Trajectory
5y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
HealthyHealthy · -13% CAGR over 5y
Location
DEFENCE TECHNICAL SERVICES LTD
Trajectory
4y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsFinancial Health
StrongStrong
Location
WARTSILA DEFENCE SOLUTIONS LTD
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsDesigns and supplies engineered shaft line components and integrated shaftline systems for naval and cruise vessels. Provides equipment and technical support for new ship construction as well as…
Serves B2B and public-sector marine customers, particularly naval defence organisations, shipyards, cruise lines and vessel operators involved in newbuild and in-service vessel programmes.
Financial Health
StableStable · 0% CAGR over 2y
Location
STS Defence
Designs, manufactures and integrates mission‑critical communications, electronic warfare and instrumentation systems for defence platforms. Provides communications masts, satellite communications…
Serves public-sector defence bodies and prime contractors in naval and air defence, alongside aerospace, marine and nuclear organisations such as Royal Navy, Submarine Delivery Agency and Typhoon…
Location
TELEPLAN UK LIMITED
Trajectory
2y · 2024–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 2 filingsDesigns and supplies positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) technologies, including GNSS/GPS receivers, antennas, anti‑jam systems, inertial navigation units, simulators and networking solutions.…
Serves B2B and public-sector customers in aerospace, defence, automotive, agriculture, logistics, marine, mining, construction, security, space, surveying, timing/synchronisation and transport with…
Financial Health
DistressedDistressed
Location
THORN SDS LIMITED
Trajectory
1y · 2025–NowProvides managed IT services, secure platform engineering and technical support for space, defence and security projects. Supplies security‑cleared engineers and specialists for spacecraft…
Serves public-sector and prime-contractor clients in the space, defence and security sectors, including UK MoD, defence primes, ESA, EUMETSAT and European space prime partners.
Financial Health
Insufficient historyInsufficient history
Location
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides secure digital technology services for defence organisations, including software development, data platforms, systems integration and cybersecurity solutions supporting defence and national…
Serves public-sector defence bodies and defence-industry organisations, including military, government and contractor teams that buy secure digital services.
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Growing, Hiring · 69% CAGR over 4y
Location
DIEM Analytics Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsDevelops analytical models, simulations and decision-support tools to support defence and security planning. Provides research, analysis and experimentation during capability concept and assessment…
Serves defence and security organisations, including government defence stakeholders from tactical to strategic levels, defence primes, and research organisations involved in capability development…
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Hiring · 19% CAGR over 4y
Location
CHINDIT DEFENCE TECHNOLOGIES LLP
Trajectory
4y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsAdvises government departments on defence, security and infrastructure procurement projects. Connects governments with technology providers, conducts analysis and due diligence, and supports…
Serves governments and public-sector decision-makers, particularly nation states with developing or maturing infrastructure and security capabilities, as well as private-sector technology and…
Financial Health
StableStable
Location
FORCE DEVELOPMENT SERVICES LTD
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsDesigns and manufactures mission‑critical equipment and engineering solutions for defence, police and security sectors, including ballistic protection, tactical ladders, vehicle-borne intervention…
Serves government defence agencies, police and law enforcement bodies, armed forces, security organisations, humanitarian organisations, and strategic partners globally.
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · -63% CAGR over 4y
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
AN4 Group Limited
Trajectory
3y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsProvides procurement and sourcing services for aerospace, defence, aviation and public sector organisations, supplying approved equipment, components and technology from global manufacturers. Also…
Serves B2B and public sector buyers in defence, aerospace, aviation and industrial sectors, including global manufacturers, defence technology suppliers and organisations needing approved procurement…
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · -6% CAGR over 2y
Location
Navfleet Logistics Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsSells to defence and maritime buyers, including naval forces, military procurement teams, shipyards and contractors involved in warship and naval vessel support.
Financial Health
StableStable · -71% CAGR over 4y
Location
TUGNET DIGITAL LTD
Trajectory
2y · 2024–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 2 filingsFinancial Health
HealthyHealthy · 0% CAGR over 1y
Location
A. C. W. Engineering Services Ltd
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides precision engineering and machining services including component manufacture, assembly, inspection, and hydraulic and pneumatic testing. Produces batch and prototype parts and equipment such…
Serves B2B clients in defence, nuclear, aerospace, explosion suppression, fire detection and yacht racing, from small local projects in Hampshire to major national work and international customers.
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Hiring · 4% CAGR over 4y
Location
L.F.D. Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsDesigns and manufactures LED lighting systems for military and commercial aircraft and ground vehicles, including anti‑collision, position, formation, landing and infrared lights. Provides optical…
Serves B2B defence and aerospace customers, especially military fixed-wing and rotary aircraft operators, avionics integrators and ground vehicle programmes, plus external customers needing…
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Growing · 2% CAGR over 4y
Location
Dt Precision Ltd
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsManufactures precision machined components, tooling and fabricated parts. Provides CNC milling, turning and jig boring services for sectors including aerospace, pharmaceutical, nuclear, marine and…
Serves businesses and organisations in aerospace, pharmaceutical, nuclear, marine and defence sectors, typically engineering, production and procurement teams sourcing specialist precision…
Financial Health
DistressedDistressed · -13% CAGR over 4y
Location
BARNBROOK SYSTEMS LIMITED
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsManufactures and distributes motion control and electro‑mechanical switching equipment, including relays, solenoids, power controllers, circuit breakers and pressure transducers, supplying components…
Serves B2B customers in aerospace, defence, security and space, including OEM supply chains and engine control repair organisations requiring certified electro-mechanical components.
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Hiring · 18% CAGR over 2y
Location
UTP HOLDINGS LIMITED
Trajectory
2y · 2025–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 2 filingsManufactures precision‑engineered metal components and assemblies using CNC milling, turning and grinding. Produces prototype, pre‑production and production parts from high‑strength and exotic…
Serves B2B engineering and procurement teams in oil & gas, aerospace, defence, nuclear, marine and motorsport sectors, particularly organisations needing high-tolerance components for extreme…
Financial Health
StableStable
Location
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How Portsmouth Defence companies work and how to sell to them
What they do
Revenue usually comes from project fees, retained support, call-off work and training packages rather than high-volume licence income. Portsmouth defence suppliers typically package know-how as engineering services, secure operational support, integration, maintenance, logistics or assurance-led consultancy. Pricing is often milestone-based, day-rate led, or tied to service-level commitments, with contract value shaped by risk, site access and documentation burden as much as labour time. Some firms may have proprietary tooling or equipment, but the sale is usually a controlled delivery promise: keep an asset, system or process available, evidenced and safe to use in a security-sensitive setting.
Who they sell to
Most local suppliers sell to military, government, public-safety and critical-infrastructure buyers, with decision-making shared between programme owners, engineering leads, secure operations managers and procurement teams. The user may care about technical suitability, while the commercial gatekeeper cares about assurance evidence, liability, subcontractor control and continuity if staff change. Sales cycles tend to be measured in months rather than weeks, especially where a framework, tender or security review is involved. Smaller packages can start through consultancy, training or maintenance scopes, then expand once the supplier has delivery references and operational trust.
What they buy
Most Portsmouth defence firms tend to spend on tools and services that reduce delivery risk rather than generic growth software. Relevant pitches often sit around bid management, contract compliance, document control, secure collaboration, cyber security, asset management, field-service planning, quality management and project accounting. Recruitment and vetting support can matter where delivery depends on cleared engineers or specialist trainers. Accountancy, legal and insurance providers may find openings around public contracts, subcontracting terms, export controls and liability. Marketing spend is usually more targeted: credibility material, case-study production, partner outreach and tender support rather than broad demand generation.
Why and how to sell to them
Buying interest often appears when a defence supplier wins a new framework place, adds a public-sector customer, takes on a larger maintenance scope, hires senior delivery or compliance staff, or needs to evidence resilience after a service issue. Outbound works better when it maps to contract risk: fewer missed documentation steps, clearer audit trails, faster bid response, lower subcontractor exposure or less dependence on one specialist. Generic productivity claims tend to underperform. A credible approach shows familiarity with security-sensitive delivery, procurement formality and the cost of failing an assurance check late in the sales process.
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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