Wales named UK launchpad for autonomous defence technology
A £50 million Wales Defence Growth Deal has been signed at Cardiff Castle, setting out plans to expand autonomous defence technology testing and establish a new training college by September 2027.
The agreement was signed by Defence Secretary John Healey, First Minister Eluned Morgan and Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens.
The UK Government said the deal will position Wales as a “UK launchpad for autonomous technology and uncrewed systems”, including systems used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.
Under the agreement, access to Ministry of Defence test ranges across Wales will be widened, including at MOD Aberporth. Working with the Civil Aviation Authority and its military counterpart, air corridors across central Wales will also be expanded to enable testing of uncrewed aerial systems by industry and the military.
The Ministry of Defence said the deal will make it easier for Welsh small and medium-sized businesses to gain direct access to secure defence contracts by ensuring they have the required clearances, reducing the need to work through prime contractors for certain classified work.
It also sets out an intention to establish a new Defence Technical Excellence College by September 2027 to train defence engineers.
Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: “We pledged a Defence Growth Deal for Wales and this is the UK Government delivering on that commitment.
“Wales is central to the defence of the UK and I am proud to launch this new partnership that will transform the nation into a centre for innovation. It will create good jobs and drive growth in Wales.
“We’re investing £50 million in this deal to make Wales the UK’s launchpad for uncrewed systems. Expanding test ranges and opening up Welsh skies will help put Britain at the forefront of the autonomous defence technology that our Armed Forces need to fight and win.”
First Minister Eluned Morgan said:
“Wales will play its part to secure our national defence in an increasingly unstable world.
“The aerospace and defence sector in Wales is vitally important to the economy and directly employs over 16,000 highly skilled workers. The backbone of the sector is the huge number of small and medium size companies across the whole of Wales who are the life blood of development and innovation.
“The duel use nature of the deal means that its benefits will be felt across the wider Welsh economy. It is vital now that we see this commitment from the MOD filter down to the SMEs quickly and improves the defence capability of the UK.”
Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said: “Today’s deal will shape the future of the defence industry for years to come and will deliver economic growth and thousands of skilled well-paid jobs.
“We are building on Welsh expertise and our strong base by investing £50 million so Wales can lead the way in 21st century autonomous defence technology.”
Kevin Craven, chief executive of ADS, said: “Today’s Wales Defence Growth Deal dovetails the two core motivations of industry and government alike: building UK and effective deterrence capabilities, while providing high-quality, high-value employment that strengthens local communities.”
The UK Government said almost 4,000 people in Wales are currently employed through MOD industry spending, as part of more than £1 billion spent with the Welsh defence industry.
Defence Growth Deals are being created under the Defence Industrial Strategy, with defence spending set to reach 2.6% of GDP from 2027.
[photo: parliament.uk]
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