What role does the defence industry play in Scotland’s economy?

The SNP is proud to boast of Scotland as a world class defence manufacturer. Scotland’s engineers, shipbuilders, and businesses have cemented Scotland as an impressive destination for international defence investment and recognition.

This renowned expertise will be supported by the SNP as a crucial component of building an independent nation with its own defence industrial strategy.

The Scottish shipbuilding industry has proven, once again, that it is unmatched in its skill by attracting a £10bn deal from Norway to build their Royal Naval Fleet. This has secured thousands of jobs in Glasgow and is just one example of Scottish excellence.

The SNP government invested £9.2mn into a BAE skills academy which will boost the local economy by £1.1bn over 10 years. We are committed to fostering the success of the small and medium enterprises which keep our defence industry thriving, and to supporting defence jobs and businesses in Scotland.

A defence strategy which matches the needs and threats of our own nation and where we can actively contribute to the needs and security of our allies is a defence priority for the SNP.