The FTSE 100 defence giant, a major employer in Barrow, has upgraded its profit outlook after strong half-year results. BAE's underlying earnings are expected to grow by 10 per cent to 12 per cent in 2026, up from its previous nine per cent to 11 per cent forecast. Pre-tax profits rose to £1.28 billion from £1.19 billion a year earlier. “The global threat picture remains highly volatile and governments are responding with sustained increases in their defence budgets. The Dreadnought programme is estimated to support around 30,000 jobs across the UK, including more than 7,000 people working directly on the project at BAE Systems.