Swindon is strengthening its position as a major UK centre for defence and autonomous technology, with more than 1,000 highly skilled jobs potentially being created as new investment arrives in the town.
The developments come a year after Swindon was specifically identified as a national hub for defence innovation in the Government’s Defence Industrial Strategy.
Since then, two major projects have been announced, including a new Ministry of Defence uncrewed systems testing centre at Panattoni Park and an advanced drone manufacturing and engineering hub for TEKEVER at the Spectrum Building.
The MOD has taken more than 500,000 sq ft at Panattoni Park, at the former Honda manufacturing site, to create an indoor testing, development and certification centre for uncrewed systems.
The facility is described as the largest new defence investment in the South West this year and is expected to create hundreds of highly skilled technical jobs.
It will also be four times larger than NATO’s tactical drone centre in Latvia, giving Swindon a significant role in the UK’s testing and evaluation of uncrewed technology.
Drone manufacturer TEKEVER has also chosen Swindon for its next stage of UK expansion, selecting the Spectrum Building for engineering and production operations.
The company has been involved in the development and deployment of uncrewed systems, including the British-made StormShroud, and its arrival adds another major aerospace and technology business to the town.
A further five companies specialising in unmanned aircraft manufacturing have either established themselves or announced plans to invest in Swindon. They are ICOMAT, Shadowlink, Xtend, MyDefence and STARK Defence.
Swindon Borough Council says its economic development and inward investment teams have worked with the companies, developers and central government to help secure suitable sites and deal with planning, regulatory and infrastructure requirements.
The council has also highlighted links with local skills programmes and supply chains as part of efforts to ensure the investment creates opportunities for people and businesses in the area.
Councillor Gary Sumner, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, said the developments demonstrated the impact of Swindon’s growing role in defence innovation.
“Securing the MOD’s new indoor testing centre at Panattoni Park and welcoming TEKEVER into the Spectrum Building demonstrates exactly what can be achieved when a council is proactive, commercial and focused on growth,” he said.
“This isn’t just about major facilities, it’s about delivering high-value, well-paid, skilled jobs for local people in an industry that is critical to our national resilience and future prosperity.”
Swindon was named alongside other areas of the country in the Government’s defence strategy last year as having the expertise and industrial capability to contribute to the UK’s future defence technology.
The latest investment means the town’s long-established engineering and manufacturing base is now being joined by a growing cluster of companies working in drones, autonomous systems and advanced aerospace technology.
The council says it is already dealing with further investment enquiries and expects more businesses and skilled jobs to follow as Swindon’s defence technology sector develops.
