BAE Systems reports sales surge and forecasts sustained European defence growth

BAE Systems announced half‑year sales of £15.77 billion, up 9 percent, and underlying earnings before tax of £1.7 billion, up 11 percent, with an order book nearing £63 billion. Chief Executive Charles Woodburn highlighted that rising defence budgets across Europe and the United Kingdom’s £300 billion Defence Investment Plan through 2030 are driving the company’s growth. European sales rose 30 percent in the first half of 2026, now representing a third of BAE’s order backlog. Woodburn said the firm’s broad geographic footprint and involvement in programmes such as the Global Combat Air Programme and the Edgewing joint venture position it to capture further demand for combat aircraft, drones and related technologies. The company expects continued expansion as governments increase spending to meet NATO targets and strengthen continental security.