Although UK defence exports remain above the five-year average, Paul Everitt, chief executive of trade body ADS group, responded to last year's dip by warning the government to build stronger relationships with foreign nations. As competition increases and defence budget shrinks, he says industry and government must work "more strategically" to retain market share.
The report also found that a whopping 87 per cent of overseas sales were for military aircraft and associated kit and that two-thirds of orders went to the Middle East.
