• UK weapons and ammunition manufacturing jobs rose 51% in 2024/25, adding 2,000 roles to reach 5,900 total in the sector.

  • Defence-supported roles grew by 26,000 nationwide, with the North West gaining nearly 4,000 jobs and the South East over 3,000.

  • The growth ties to a £298 billion Defence Investment Plan and follows an £8.4 billion commitment to next-generation nuclear submarines.