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Future-facing careers
Skills for innovation
The aerospace, security, and defence industries in Europe are at the forefront of driving innovation, creating highly skilled job opportunities, and contributing to Europe's economy, security, and technological advancement.
The European Aerospace and Defence industry directly employed 942,000 across 30 European countries in 2021. Many of these are highly skilled professionals such as engineers, IT experts, data scientist or technicians. This not only creates well-paid employment across Europe but also helps to maintain and enhance expertise, knowledge and competences in Europe which are indispensable in a world economy where tremendous digital, ecological and security shifts are about to unfold in the coming decades.
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Key industry data
- 46,000
New jobs in 2022
- 921,000
Direct employees
- 3.5 m
Total employment supported
- 9.8 %
Turnover growth in 2022
The aerospace, security, and defence industries in Europe are at the forefront of driving innovation. Through their continuous investment in R&D (more than €23.2 bn in 2022), these industries push the boundaries of knowledge, fostering breakthrough advancements in areas such as materials science, propulsion systems, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. This commitment to innovation not only benefits the industries themselves but also drives progress across interconnected sectors, spurring economic growth and creating highly skilled job opportunities for the workforce.
Our industry helps to maintain and enhance expertise, knowledge and competences in Europe which are indispensable ... where tremendous digital, ecological and security shifts are about to unfold in the coming decades
A strategic sector
Learn more
- ASD report2022 Facts and FiguresASD members account for 98% of the sector’s turnover and for 91% of the sector’s employment in the European Union
- ASD reportThe Economic Impact of the European Aerospace and Defence IndustryDirect footprint of the European Aerospace and Defence Industry
- Industry focusDefenceEurope's defence companies need qualified personnel to maintain their edge. This offers a great opportunity for an exciting career.
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4 intertwined industries
ASD contact
Jan Pie
- Secretary General
- +32 2 775 81 35
Burkard Schmitt
- Defence & Security Director
- +32 2 775 8130
Vincent De Vroey
- Civil Aviation Director
- +32 2 775 81 29