Aerospace and defence among regional strengths to be showcased at Farnborough
The East of England is being positioned as one of the most strategically significant parts of the country for aerospace and defence as it sets out its investment stall at Farnborough International Airshow (FIA).
A major RAF/MOD footprint and UK-leading industry clusters mean Norfolk and Suffolk can deliver rapid advanced technology development and deployment, as well as high productivity and scaled-up manufacturing.
And with the UK Government having committed an extra £298bn for defence investment by 2030, our region is perfectly placed to profit from market transformation and growth.
For the first time, five regional organisations - Norfolk & Suffolk Unlimited, Connected Innovation, Space East, NAAME (New Anglia Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering) and East Regional Defence & Security Cluster (EastRDSC) - will present a unified proposition at FIA which runs from 20-24 July.
Backed by the Ministry of Defence and DASA, EastRDSC accelerates collaboration between SMEs, academia and industry to deliver sovereign defence innovation. The region's ecosystem is anchored by RAF Marham, home of the UK's F-35B Lightning II fleet and supported by a deep supply chain of defence-capable businesses.
The East of England offers commercial agility, located within 90 minutes of London, with direct access to European markets via Felixstowe, the UK's busiest container port. It is home to major RAF installations, the UK's third-largest space sector, a connected advanced manufacturing supply chain and the UK's largest regional network of innovation centres.
The global space market is projected to grow from £270 billion to £490 billion by 2030. For investors and technology partners looking to be part of that growth, the Farnborough International Airshow 2026 offers a rare opportunity to have those conversations face to face and Space East will be in attendance.
Our region is the UK's third-largest space sector region, with a cluster backed by the UK Space Agency and anchored by assets including BT Adastral Park, CEFAS, Norwich Research Park and Hethel Innovation. Space East has grown to more than 2,550 members since its launch, bringing together satellites, Earth observation, radar, telecoms and launch-enabling capabilities under one regional identity.
Cllr Kabeer Kher, Cabinet Member for Business, Skills & Agriculture at Norfolk County Council commented: "Our region is home to world-class businesses, cutting-edge innovation and a highly skilled workforce, particularly within the defence and aerospace sectors.
"As demand grows for advanced technologies, engineering expertise and resilient supply chains, Norfolk and Suffolk are well placed to support investment and growth across these industries. Attending Farnborough allows us to highlight the unique capabilities that exist across our region, strengthen relationships with key partners and investors, and demonstrate why this is an excellent place for businesses to innovate, expand and succeed."
