UK Security Exports Hit Record £12.9bn – Building Momentum for 2025

The UK security sector enters 2026 with strong momentum, following another year of sustained export growth. These results support the government's Plan for Change, strengthen national resilience, and reinforce the UK's position as a trusted global security partner. 

New official statistics published by the Department for Business and Trade show that the total value of UK security exports reached £12.9 billion in 2024, a 16.6% increase on 2023. This growth reflects continued international demand for UK security capabilities and the value placed on the UK's high standards, innovation and trusted delivery. 

Long-term growth driven by innovation 

UK security exports have tripled since 2016, rising from £4.3bn to £12.9bn. This sustained trajectory highlights a sector that continues to adapt to evolving threats while delivering solutions that meet both domestic priorities and international needs. 

Revisions to 2023 figures, now confirmed at £11.1bn following the inclusion of additional data, further underline the strength and consistency of export growth. 

Cyber security leading the way

Cyber security remains the UK's strongest export segment and a key enabler of the government's objectives on digital resilience and technological leadership. In 2024, cyber security exports were valued at £8.6bn, accounting for 67% of total UK security exports and growing by 18.9% year-on-year. 

Physical security exports totalled £4.3bn, with fire equipment the largest segment. Together, cyber and physical security exports demonstrate the depth and breadth of the UK's security offer, supporting both economic growth and shared international security objectives. 

Global demand across key regions 

Europe remained the UK's largest export market in 2024, accounting for £6.5bn (51%) of all security exports. North America followed at £2.8bn, with Asia-Pacific at £1.8bn and the Middle East at £1.3bn. 

Cyber security exports dominated most regions, particularly Europe, where their value was almost three times that of physical security exports. Regional variation, such as stronger demand for physical security solutions in parts of the Middle East, reflects differing threat environments and investment priorities. 

How JSaRC supports continued sector growth 

As global demand for security solutions continues to rise, JSaRC helps UK businesses translate capability into export success. This work directly supports the government's mission to kickstart economic growth. 

Working across government and closely with the Department for Business and Trade, industry bodies and international partners, JSaRC promotes opportunities for growth at home and abroad by: 

• Championing UK security capabilities internationally through major events, showcases and overseas engagement 

• Connecting UK suppliers with international buyers, helping businesses understand market demand and identify opportunities 

• Providing a trusted interface between government, industry and overseas partners, particularly in complex or sensitive markets 

• Supporting cross-government security export ambitions, including aligning activity with priorities around growth, resilience and responsible security engagement 

By bringing government, industry and academia together, JSaRC helps ensure the UK's security offer is positioned effectively in international markets and aligned with the government's wider missions. 

Building on success in 2025 

The 2024 export figures provide a strong platform for further growth. With continued collaboration between government and industry, there is a clear opportunity to deepen engagement in priority markets, support emerging technologies, and help more UK businesses take their first steps into exporting. 

JSaRC will continue to work with partners across government and industry to build on this momentum, supporting growth that delivers economic benefit, strengthens resilience at home and abroad, and reinforces the UK's reputation as a trusted global security partner.

The full breakdown of the statistics can be found here: UK security export statistics 2024 - GOV.UK