There is a growing global dearth of employees in the aerospace and defence sector industries, particularly in drone technology, semiconductor engineering, and advanced manufacturing, a report by Huntr, a UAE-based AI-driven platform says.
With a focus on data analytics and workforce management, Huntr provides valuable insights into labour market trends and helps connect skilled workers to sustainable projects.
A Huntr release said on Tuesday, “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 specialised skills continues to soar, industries are struggling to fill key positions, particularly in drone technology, semiconductor engineering, and advanced manufacturing.”
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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 specialised 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.”
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.
Huntr has called for targeted upskilling efforts and workforce development initiatives to prevent the further widening of the skills gap.
The global shortage of semiconductor engineers is projected to exceed one million by 2030. The shortage is especially acute in sectors requiring specialised knowledge in avionics, aerospace electronics, and chip design.
Despite significant investments in semiconductor production in the US and Europe, the industry is facing difficulties in filling key positions in advanced fabs and chip engineering roles critical to defence projects.
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In the drone sector, global market demand is expected to surpass $90 billion by 2025, fueled by both commercial and defence 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, the Huntr release added.
Welding, another critical area for aerospace and defence manufacturing, is also facing a labour crisis. It is estimated that the US will see a shortfall of 4,00,000 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 defence systems.
