Facts & Figures
ASD Facts & Figures 2024 offers a comprehensive analysis of the European aerospace, security, and defence industries' performance in 2023, highlighting pivotal trends, key challenges, and looking at the economic impact of these sectors.
The European aerospace and defence industry continued to grow across both sectors in 2023, though disparities between the sectors became evident. Despite headwinds due to structural market issues, 2023 underscored the industry’s resilience and adaptability in a challenging operational environment.
Commercial air travel continued its path towards pre-pandemic travel volume in 2023, driving growth in the civil aeronautics sector though at a slower pace than observed in 2022. At the same time, the defence sector experienced a robust growth, driven by European countries’ ongoing efforts to enhance security and defence preparedness in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
This year’s Facts & Figures remind us of the stakes ... Europe must accelerate investment and innovation across civil aeronautics, space, and defence – starting now.
Key data
- €290.4 bn
Turnover
Turnover in the European aerospace and defence industry continued to grow in 2023 at a similar rate to the year before, with an increase of 10.1% year on year.
- 1,027,000
Employment
Following a 5.2% growth in 2022, employment reached a total of 1,027,000 employees, which translated into creation of around 76,000 new jobs
Report highlights
Explore the key facts and figures on the European aerospace, security and defence industry from 2023. For more details and sources, please download the full report.
Key data & overviewThe European aerospace and defence industry continued to grow across both sectors in 2023, though disparities between the sectors became evident. Despite headwinds due to structural market issues, 2023 underscored the industry’s resilience and adaptability in a challenging operational environment.- Civil aeronauticsAn industry that connects. The European civil aeronautics sector not only enables and sustains vital connectivity – between people, cultures, and economies – but also drives innovation, putting Europe’s capacity and know-how at the forefront of addressing environmental challenges.
DefenceAn industry that protects. Amid Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, the European defence industry plays a critical role in maintaining security and strengthening resilience, thereby supporting enduring socio-economic progress.
SpaceIn 2023, the European space manufacturing industry has experienced significant employment growth while it underwent a relative decrease of revenue levels. Nevertheless, the sector continues to uphold its leading position in the global space industry.
Research & developmentResearch, technology and innovation are the foundation for a sustainable and competitive future.
Download Facts & Figures 2024
ASD Facts & Figures 2024 offers a comprehensive analysis of the European aerospace, security, and defence industries' performance in 2023, highlighting pivotal trends, key challenges, and looking at the economic impact of these sectors. The report also underscores the vital role of research and development in driving innovation and sustaining global competitiveness.
Contact
Adrian Schmitz
- Communication Director
- +32 2 775 81 37