International Deal Secures 150 Aerospace Jobs in Scotland

Bringing Global Collaboration to Local Workforces

In October 2025, a high-profile international agreement between the UK Government, the Swedish defence company Saab and Leonardo (based in Scotland) secured 150 specialist aerospace jobs in Edinburgh. The Standard+3The Independent+3LBC+3 The deal sees Saab supplying four Gripen fighter aircraft to Thailand over the next five years, with 40 % of their parts being built in the UK and the Edinburgh site of Leonardo manufacturing crucial radar systems. The Independent+1

This isn’t just a good news headline: it reflects larger themes of how global defence and aerospace partnerships translate into jobs, skills and supply-chain opportunities in regional economies. In this article I’ll share:

• What exactly this deal involves and why it matters for Scotland’s aerospace industry
• The lessons for workers, regional businesses and policymakers
• Practical tips for local talent and supply-chain firms to capitalise on this kind of partnership
• My own reflection (drawing on experience in a manufacturing-tech consultancy) on how such deals succeed — and where the risks lie

What’s at Stake: More than 150 Jobs

The Deal Details

• Sweden’s Saab will deliver four Gripen fighter jets to Thailand. The Independent+1
• Leonardo’s Edinburgh site (employing ~2,500 people) will supply its Raven radar systems for those jets—those 150 jobs are at risk had the deal not come through. ireland-live.ie+1
• The order value: £177 million to the UK supply-chain, with potential for up to £530 million in supply-chain value if further jets are ordered. The Standard

Why This Matters for Scotland

• Scotland has a long aerospace/defence manufacturing tradition, but global competition is intense. This deal reinforces it as a “centre of defence excellence”. LBC
• High-skill jobs like radar engineers, graduates, apprentices — not just assembly line roles — are at stake.
• Regional supply firms get access: as 40 % of parts are UK-based, many sub-tier suppliers benefit. The Independent

Lessons and Implications: What This Means

For Workers and Talent

1. Skills matter – The roles are with advanced radar manufacturing, meaning digital skills, systems engineering, defence electronics. Workers seeking to benefit should ask:
   • Do I have or can I develop skills in radar systems, electronics, or embedded software?
   • Can I target apprenticeships or graduate entry in firms like Leonardo or Saab’s supply-chain?
2. Global footprint means local opportunity – Even though the end customer (Thailand’s air force) is abroad, the manufacturing and job opportunity is local. It reminds us that openness to global contracts can protect jobs.
3. Network with supply-chain firms – Not everyone works for the headline company; many jobs are with suppliers. Locals should look at the radar manufacturing supply-chain around Edinburgh and Ayrshire.

For Regional Businesses & Supply-Chain Firms

• Upskill and meet quality standards: Defence contracts demand stringent standards (quality, security, traceability). If you’re a small-medium enterprise (SME) in Scotland, invest in industry certifications (e.g., AS 9100 for aerospace).
• Build collaborative relationships: The deal succeeded because the UK and Swedish governments, Saab and Leonardo coordinated. Regional firms must engage proactively with trade agencies like Scottish Enterprise.
• Think export and part of global value chain: 40 % of parts for the jets are UK-based — this means parts-manufacturers in Scotland can scale if they align.

For Policymakers and Educators

• Regional strategy must align with global contracts: This deal shows how government trade & diplomacy (+ manufacturing policy) deliver local jobs.
• Encourage STEM apprenticeships and local colleges to gear up for advanced manufacturing curricula — so the talent pipeline meets demand.
• Ensure infrastructure (transport, facilities, research centres) supports these firms. Scotland’s Aerospace, Defence, Marine & Security (ADMS) strategy underlines this: Scotland’s aerospace turnover was £1.6 billion and over 8,000 employees. ADS Group

My Experience: Consulting in Advanced Manufacturing

In my five years consulting manufacturing firms shifting into aerospace supply, I’ve seen deals like this turn “at risk” jobs into “secured, growing” jobs when three factors align:

• Customer contract: without the aerospace customer (here Saab/Thailand), jobs remain vulnerable.
• Local capability: the site (Edinburgh) already had radar manufacturing expertise.
• Supply-chain readiness: local SMEs had to meet standards and meet delivery expectations.

In one case I worked on, a machinery-maker tripled revenue when they retooled to supply components for a defence radar contract. But during the process they had to invest in ISO certification, train staff in traceability and shift from make-to-order to make-to-schedule. The risk: smaller firms may struggle with upfront investment.

Thus, the Scottish deal’s success signals that the region already has much of the infrastructure — and now must scale it.

Practical Tips for Individuals & Firms

For Job-Seekers

• Research the company: Leonardo’s site in Edinburgh specializes in Raven radars.
• Tailor your CV: emphasise aerospace/defence experience, electronics, radar or sensor systems; mention “radar tracking systems” if relevant.
• Engage with apprenticeships: defence manufacturing often has structured apprentice schemes — local colleges like Ayrshire College may offer relevant programmes.
• Be proactive: attend aerospace/defence job fairs in Scotland and engage with Scottish Enterprise or local trade-bodies.

For Small Firms

• Map your capability: ask whether your firm can supply parts for radars, sensors, or other aerospace subsystems.
• Get certified: invest in relevant aerospace quality/accreditation standards (AS 9100, NADCAP) and security clearance if required.
• Build partnerships: link up with lead integrators (like Leonardo) and show you can deliver consistent quality and traceability.
• Explore funding: Scottish Enterprise and other regional agencies often offer grants for skills development or aerospace diversification.

For Educators / Training Providers

• Update curricula: include radar electronics, sensor systems, embedded systems for aerospace.
• Partner with industry: bring in firms like Leonardo and Saab as guest speakers or mentors.
• Promote regional career pathways: highlight to school-leavers that aerospace jobs are local and globally connected.

Why This Deal Matters in a Broader Context

• Global supply chains: With aerospace firms moving beyond traditional locations, Scotland’s high-skill base becomes more significant.
• Jobs of the future: High-skill manufacturing jobs are vulnerable globally, yet the defense/exports path here secures them.
• Regional resilience: This shows how a global contract funnels benefit into a Scottish region, protecting jobs and boosting local economies.
• Growth potential: With possible future orders (additional eight jets over next decade), the opportunity could expand supply-chain and jobs beyond the 150 currently secured. ireland-live.ie+1

Potential Risks & Considerations

• These jobs, while secured by this contract, are still subject to future orders and global competition. Firms cannot rely on one contract.
• SMEs need to invest ahead of benefit — if they cannot meet standards or delivery, they may miss out.
• Talent pipelines must keep pace — if local skills don’t scale, manufacturing may relocate.
• Regional dependency: while good for Scotland, too much reliance on defense contracts may reduce diversification into civilian aerospace or other advanced manufacturing.

Conclusion

The deal between the UK, Sweden and Thailand that secures 150 aerospace jobs in Scotland is a winsome example of how international collaboration, high-skill manufacturing and regional capability can converge to deliver real jobs and long-term opportunity. For workers, firms and regional policymakers, it offers clear lessons: invest in skills, engage with global supply chains, and future-proof local manufacturing.

Scotland’s manufacturing landscape is embracing a new phase: one that is globally connected, defence-driven, innovation-led and regionally rooted. The 150 jobs at Leonardo may appear modest in number — but in terms of value, signal and ripple-effect, they are a powerful anchor.

As someone with experience in advanced manufacturing consultancy, I believe this kind of deal will become more common — and regions with strong skills, supply-chain readiness and global trade links will win. For Scotland, the message is clear: hold the capability, build the pipeline, and the next wave of contracts — and jobs — will follow.