Strong defences

摘要

Britain's defence industry is known globally for its production of innovative systems. According to government data, the UK has a highly developed aerospace and defence sector, second only to the US, with an annual turnover of £20bn and new orders worth £26bn in 2007.rnDespite the fact that, since then, global markets have slowed significantly, manufacturers are upbeat about the sector's future. In February, Rolls-Royce forecast a market characterised by near-term softness, followed by a resumption of growth. Over the 10-year period, the company has predicted that its total helicopter deliveries are likely to be more than 15,000 units: a slight increase on its forecast in February 2008.rn'Defence has, historically, been an enduring market, affectedrnrelatively little by the economic cycles of growth and recession,' said Robert Bristow, strategy director of defence at engineering and design consultancy Atkins.