Defence giant BAE Systems secures record order book as war in Ukraine boosts demand

Defence giant BAE Systems said it had notched up record orders in 2022 amid an “elevated threat environment” in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
By Greg Wright
Published 23rd Feb 2023, 08:44 GMT

Britain’s biggest defence firm reported its highest-ever order intake of £37.1bn for 2022, which has seen its order backlog jump to £58.9bn, as countries bolster their defences in response to Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine a year ago this week. BAE Systems employs nearly 13,000 people in its air sector, including around 10,000 staff at its Warton and Samlesbury sites.

The remaining employees in this sector are based at sites across the UK including Brough in East Yorkshire, RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire and RAF Marham, Frimley and Yeovil in the south of England, RAF Valley in Wales and Prestwick and RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland.

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Charles Woodburn, BAE Systems chief executive, said: “We’ve delivered another year of strong results across the group. Our employees have done an outstanding job to effectively manage supply chain and inflationary pressures whilst delivering critical capabilities and driving efficiencies for our customers.

Handout photo issued by BAE Systems of HMS Anson, the fifth Astute class submarine, which BAE Systems has designed and built for the Royal Navy, as it departed the company's shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, and headed out to open sea for the first time. Picture date: Sunday February 19, 2023.Handout photo issued by BAE Systems of HMS Anson, the fifth Astute class submarine, which BAE Systems has designed and built for the Royal Navy, as it departed the company's shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, and headed out to open sea for the first time. Picture date: Sunday February 19, 2023.
Handout photo issued by BAE Systems of HMS Anson, the fifth Astute class submarine, which BAE Systems has designed and built for the Royal Navy, as it departed the company's shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, and headed out to open sea for the first time. Picture date: Sunday February 19, 2023.

“Our diverse geographic footprint, deep customer relationships and highly relevant, leading defence technologies mean we’re well positioned to support national security requirements in an elevated threat environment.

“Our record orders and financial performance give us confidence in delivering long-term growth and to continue investing in new technologies, facilities and thousands of highly skilled jobs, whilst increasing shareholder returns.”

Related topics:BAE SystemsUkraineRussiaBritainWartonLincolnshire