The trade body representing defence, aerospace, security and space industries has called on the Scottish Government to provide greater support to companies engaged in boosting national security.

ADS, the UK trade association representing over 1,600 businesses, is calling on Holyrood to get behind efforts to address a series of challenges inhibiting growth as the world faces a new era of geopolitical uncertainty.

Ahead of Scottish parliamentary elections in May, the organisation has launched its ‘manifesto’ calling for measures to boost skills and engineering apprenticeships – especially as the manufacturing moves towards Industry 4.0. In a paper published today, which outlined five key priorities, it says: “In the years to come, the Scottish Government should support accelerated technology adoption and industry 4.0 manufacturing techniques, including artificial intelligence, autonomy and robotics across businesses in our sectors that already operate at the cutting edge of technology.”

It added: “ADS’ four sectors deliver 36,900 high-quality, well-paid jobs across the whole of Scotland, including in
deprived and rural areas. Research from ADS and Public First reveals that quality of employment in the aerospace and defence sectors is above the UK-wide average, while the number of quality jobs provided – including to non-graduates – is higher than peer industries.”

ADS points out that Scotland is lagging far behind international competitors like Germany who have a much higher take-up rate of vocational training. And it calls for a government-industry collaboration that could support end-to end trials of hydrogen and battery electric aircraft.

The trade body also welcomed the Scottish Government’s recent decision to move away from a longstanding policy against investment in the manufacturing of munitions.

It said: “This policy shift is recognition that the world is now a more dangerous place. The Scottish Government must now demonstrate investment in the defence sector, including in munitions, so that Scotland may grow its share of the defence dividend.”

Warrick Malcolm, director of ADS Scotland, said: “For too long, the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors have been under supported, under-appreciated and overly stigmatised – in spite of delivering almost 37,000 jobs. With the appropriate support, Scotland is uniquely positioned to become a global leader in defence and advanced manufacturing, if we really want to transform Scotland’s economy, we need to convincingly back our high-growth industries – to deliver on our true potential to both the economy and national security.

“At a time of rising geopolitical uncertainty and rapid technological change, our manifesto sets out a clear path for government and industry to collaborate, ensuring Scotland remains at the forefront of innovation, national security, and economic progress.

“Industry is calling on the Scottish Government to expand skills provision through new apprenticeship routes and curriculum reform, invest in national security infrastructure, incentivise private investment, and leverage the dual-use capabilities of our sectors. Following these recommendations, our sectors can deliver even greater value for communities across Scotland and the UK as a whole.”