The United Kingdom is a global leader in defence and aerospace innovation, offering cutting-edge manufacturing capabilities, world-class research institutions, and a robust regulatory framework. Ranked among the top three global defence exporters and the second-largest aerospace sector in Europe, the UK presents a compelling market for foreign defence contractors, aerospace OEMs, and advanced engineering firms.
However, entering this complex and highly regulated environment requires more than commercial ambition—it demands a strategic UK market entry plan, addressing licensing, procurement, compliance, and site readiness. At Fraser Bond, we support defence and aerospace firms with regulatory-aligned property sourcing, location intelligence, and localised advisory for long-term success.
The UK committed over £50 billion in defence spending for 2024, with a strong focus on modernisation, sovereign manufacturing, and space defence systems.
The UK is a strategic partner in major international projects such as:
Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP)
AUKUS and NATO joint defence initiatives
Space Command and secure communications innovation
Home to major OEMs (e.g., BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, Leonardo), the UK’s aerospace sector offers deep supply chain integration and innovation across avionics, propulsion, and composite engineering.
With strong links to US, EU, Commonwealth, and Indo-Pacific markets, the UK is a launchpad for exporting defence and aerospace systems globally.
Foreign entrants must comply with:
UK Export Control Act 2002
ITAR and UK-US Defence Trade Cooperation Treaty
Security clearance procedures (MOD and Cabinet Office)
Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) approvals for aerospace systems
Engaging licensing consultants and security-cleared advisors is essential early in the process.
Defence and aerospace facilities must meet:
Physical security standards
Restricted airspace or controlled testing site regulations
Planning permissions tied to sensitive or dual-use technology handling
Proximity to aerospace clusters, military bases, or test ranges is critical. Key regions include:
Farnborough and Hampshire (aviation innovation)
Wales and the Midlands (composites and manufacturing)
Scotland (spaceports and satellite development)
South West England (MOD access, naval systems)
Fraser Bond delivers property and market localisation solutions tailored to the defence and aerospace sectors. Our services include:
We acquire and lease properties that meet security, zoning, and operational compliance requirements—whether for R&D, secure warehousing, or assembly lines.
We work with legal and planning consultants to ensure facilities align with local authority rules, aerospace standards, and MOD development zones.
Fraser Bond advises on optimal sites based on supply chain needs, workforce access, and proximity to military or aerospace stakeholders.
For international defence firms, we facilitate coordination with legal and export control consultants to streamline local incorporation and compliance documentation.
Fraser Bond assisted a European avionics company entering the UK by:
Securing a lease on a secure, MOD-approved site in Farnborough
Coordinating site modifications for CAA compliance
Partnering with ITAR licensing advisors to support restricted technology protocols
The firm launched UK operations within six months and integrated into Tier 2 aerospace supply chains within the first operational year.
The UK defence and aerospace sectors offer immense potential—but entry is complex and highly regulated. Success depends on careful planning, compliant infrastructure, and informed site selection aligned with defence priorities and export controls.
Fraser Bond is a trusted partner for aerospace and defence firms entering the UK. We provide secure property access, strategic location support, and regulatory coordination, helping clients navigate the entry landscape with efficiency, discretion, and confidence.
