Swindon’s reputation for ingenuity is once again taking flight – quite literally this time – as the town emerges as a major hub for the UK’s defence technology sector.
During a visit to the Spectrum building in West Swindon, Defence Secretary John Healey MP praised the town for “quickly becoming the UK’s leading tech hub for drone manufacturing” after Portuguese defence giant TEKEVER confirmed it will create hundreds of highly skilled jobs here.
The firm’s £400m investment in British drone production and advanced AI warfare capabilities is being hailed as a watershed moment for the town. TEKEVER said its decision to set up in Swindon reflects the area’s growing pull as a centre of UK drone activity.
Swindon North MP Will Stone, alongside Swindon Borough Council’s inward investment team, has played a key role in drawing TEKEVER to the town, adding to recent arrivals Flyby Technology, Munin Dynamics and STARK, all of which are creating new roles.
Speaking after the announcement, Mr Healey said:
“Swindon has a proud reputation for innovation, from its role in producing Supermarine Spitfires during the Second World War to the advanced technology we’re seeing today. These investments are proof of a ‘defence dividend’ – jobs, growth and national security all delivered together.”
Education and apprenticeships
As part of the deal, TEKEVER has pledged to work with local schools and colleges to open up apprenticeships, giving young people in Swindon a direct path into the defence sector.
Swindon Borough Council Leader, Councillor Jim Robbins, said:
“The Defence Secretary’s recognition of Swindon as a defence hub is hugely encouraging. Our decision to reinstate a dedicated inward investment team has already paid dividends, attracting world-class firms and securing skilled jobs for local people.”
Meanwhile, Mr Stone said the momentum shows no sign of slowing:
“With TEKEVER joining the likes of STARK, Munin Dynamics and Flyby Technology, over 800 new jobs are already coming to Swindon. This builds on our industrial heritage while positioning us at the cutting edge of national security and advanced manufacturing.”
Both the Council and local MPs are also now part of the Western Regional Defence and Security Cluster, launched recently at the DSEI exhibition, signalling Swindon’s intent to cement its place as a defence centre of excellence.
