Chamber and committees

We are committed to supporting Scotland’s aerospace, defence, marine and space sectors who are fundamental to our national security and a strategic driver of economic growth, supporting high-quality jobs and developing the workforce of the future.

• On 3 September 2025, recognising the changing international landscape—particularly the invasion of Ukraine— the First Minister announced the lifting of the policy prohibiting the use of public funds for the manufacture of munitions across the defence sector.
• The Scottish Government, through its enterprise agencies, provides targeted support to companies across these sectors, since 2006-07, over £90 million has been invested in these sectors, securing highly-skilled jobs and economic returns. Recent examples include:
  • £9.22 million awarded to BAE Systems to support a training and skills academy as part of a project to modernise shipyards on the Clyde, creating around 300 new jobs and securing over a thousand more.
  • A £9 million grant to ZeroAvia to establish a major green aircraft engine manufacturing base in Scotland, creating around 350 jobs and unlocking significant investment, building on an earlier £20 million investment from the Scottish National Investment Bank.
  • Up to £2 million invested to develop engineering skills in the Glasgow City Region, designed by the Clyde Maritime Cluster in partnership with Skills Development Scotland.
  • Over £300k invested to drive innovation and growth across Scotland’s space sector, including cluster-building for Space Scotland and cross-cluster pilots using satellite data to enhance natural capital.
• Ministers continue to engage with industries across these sectors including on the opportunities presented in the UK Defence Industrial Strategy such as the Defence Growth Deal. With its skilled workforce, strong industrial base and culture of innovation, Scotland is well placed to attract continued investment in cutting-edge defence and technology programmes.