The analysis, published days before the Government’s Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR), found 842 companies with a combined annual turnover of £5.2bn, including major firms such as BAE Systems and defence electronics suppliers like Thales and Selex Galileo.
It highlighted the strengths of a highly-skilled workforce, with world-leading companies, strong research and development and a good supply of graduates.
But the report, commissioned by Scottish Enterprise’s Aerospace, Defence and Marine team and industry body ADS Scotland, also warned of a perceived lack of political will to support the sector and “sell it”.
Neil McManus, chairman of ADS Scotland, said the aim was to double industry sales by 2023, despite concerns about the impact of military cuts to be outlined on Tuesday.
He said: “We need to be co- ordinated and recognise the contribution the sector makes to Scotland. I think we haven’t been vocal enough in doing that.
“We have struggled for recognition in the past, recognition that this is a sector that Scotland should prioritise.”
Ian McMahon, head of Scottish Enterprise’s Aerospace, Defence and Marine team, said the publication date, within a few days of the defence review, was coincidental.
He added that the report had helped to inform the Scottish Government’s submission to the SDSR and would provide a baseline for further expansion.
Scottish Enterprise Minister Jim Mather said the industry “sub- stantially enhances Scotland’s excellent reputation for innovation and technology” and the Government would continue to support growth in the sector.
But Thomas Docherty, Labour MP for Dunfermline and West Fife, said: “The SNP have a cheek welcoming the contribution the defence sector makes to the Scottish economy when they know fine well that in an independent Scotland thousands of highly-skilled Scots would be cast on the scrap heap.”
