The global Aerospace & Defense (A&D) industry is grappling with an alarming talent shortage triggered by the rapid expansion of air travel and rising defense expenditures. As demand for specialized skills continues to soar, industries are struggling to fill key positions, particularly in drone technology, semiconductor engineering, and advanced manufacturing.
Sharing his views on this global talent crunch, Samuel Joy, Founder and CEO of Huntr, said, “We should steer away from viewing this talent shortage only as an immediate challenge but rather understand it as a key indicator of the shifting landscape in the A&D sector. The industry is rapidly evolving, and specialized roles are becoming even more critical. The time required to fill these positions has significantly increased, taking an average of 90 to 120 days. We cannot fill such gaps through traditional recruitment strategies. Through AI-backed recruitment, closing these positions in as little as 60 days is quite possible.”
The global shortage of semiconductor engineers is projected to exceed 1 million by 2030. The shortage is especially acute in sectors requiring specialized knowledge in avionics, aerospace electronics, and chip design. Despite significant investments in semiconductor production in the U.S. and Europe, the industry is facing difficulties in filling key positions in advanced fabs and chip engineering roles critical to defense projects. In the drone sector, global market demand is expected to surpass $90 billion by 2025, fueled by both commercial and defense applications. However, the growing reliance on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in military settings has led to a severe shortfall in skilled drone technicians and operators. There is a very evident and escalating need for qualified drone operators, particularly in military environments, where UAV usage has become a key strategic asset.
Welding, another critical area for aerospace and defense manufacturing, is also facing a labor crisis. It Is estimated that the U.S. will see a shortfall of 400,000 welders by 2024, a trend mirrored globally. This shortage is particularly detrimental to industries like aerospace, where welders skilled in advanced materials, such as aluminum alloys and titanium, are essential for constructing aircraft and defense systems.
Middle Eastern nations, especially those in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), are feeling the impact of these shortages as they expand their A&D sectors. Countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia, heavily investing in drone technologies, are struggling to find the skilled labor necessary to support these initiatives. Despite significant investment in localization efforts, including semiconductor manufacturing and defense technology through initiatives like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UAE’s Mubadala Investment Company’s ownership of GLOBALFOUNDRIES, the region continues to rely on expatriate talent due to the critical shortage of skilled professionals.
In aerospace manufacturing, Boeing and Airbus have also reported difficulties in maintaining production schedules due to the scarcity of machinists, welders, and chip engineers. This shortage can be further detrimental due to the increasing integration of advanced technologies, including AI-driven systems and sophisticated avionics, boosting the demand for software engineers and chip technicians. This skills gap can further widen unless targeted upskilling efforts and workforce development initiatives are implemented.
