Scotland boosting UK with more than 拢2 billion spend in defence annually
Defence spending with UK industry by the Ministry of Defence in Scotland is currently 拢2.09 billion, official statistics have revealed.
Defence shipbuilding in Scotland
The statistics highlight the UK Government鈥檚 commitment to continually improving the defence sector, while supporting the economy and creating hundreds of thousands of jobs across the country.
An average of 拢380 is being spent on defence for each person living in Scotland, higher that the UK average of 拢370, with this figure staying consistent in recent years, and showing the level of spending that helps keep the nation protected.
Latest figures also show 12,200 Scottish jobs are directly supported through the MOD鈥檚 expenditure with the Scottish defence industry.
Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps said:
As threats increase across the globe, it鈥檚 crucial that investment in our Armed Forces matches that picture.
That鈥檚 why we鈥檙e spending more than 拢50 billion annually on helping equip our military with cutting-edge capabilities, so they can continue to protect our freedoms around the clock.
These statistics demonstrate how all parts of the UK are playing their part in that crucial work, delivering through our fantastic defence industry and boosting local prosperity.
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said:
Nothing is more important than defending our country and these figures show the enormous contribution Scottish skills, expertise and innovation make to the UK鈥檚 defence industry.
As well as playing a crucial role in the security of the UK, defence also contributes significantly to delivering high-skilled jobs and investment in Scotland. The UK Government is committed to growing our economy, including by working with the defence industry to support its success in the UK and in exporting overseas.
Scotland is home to the Royal Navy鈥檚 Type 26 and Type 31 frigate building programme, spanning shipyards on the Clyde and Rosyth, supporting thousands of skilled jobs into the next decade. Some of the MOD鈥檚 highest level strategic assets, such as the Continuous At Sea Deterrent at HMNB Clyde and the P-8 Poseidon and Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon aircraft at RAF Lossiemouth are also base in Scotland, investing in multi-million-pound support contracts which have created thousands of jobs.
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