A new report has highlighted how important the defence sector is to Yeovil.
Research by the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) has found the industry has an "outsize positive effect" on UK areas where it is based.
This includes Yeovil, which is home to Leonardo.
The research found wages at the site averaged £51,000 a year compared to the local average of £32,000.
The report found the defence industry drives "greater social mobility" and "brings inclusive and well remunerated long-term employment opportunities to a broader and more even geographical spread of regions, bringing opportunities that wouldn’t exist otherwise."
It also said: "The defence industry supports a strong wider UK manufacturing infrastructure since its supply chains are extensive and include many dual-use firms.
"Defence needs to maintain a strong and agile supply chain that is able to respond to urgent requirements."
Clive Higgins, chair and CEO of Leonardo in the UK said: "The latest Office for National Statistics figures show NEET rates in the UK remain high at 13.6 per cent with 837,000 16 to 24-year-olds now out of work, education or training.
"Growth for the UK means connecting these young people with real opportunities.
"The government’s recent consultation paper on National Industrial Strategy identified the defence sector as a key sector for growth, and this new report provides the evidence that we are a growth generator."
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