The Defence Secretary has warned that warfare is changing faster than at any time in history, as he announced a £50 million growth deal for Wales aimed at boosting defence technology and creating jobs.
Speaking at Cardiff Castle alongside Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens and First Minister Baroness Eluned Morgan, John Healey stressed the importance of developing autonomous and uncrewed systems such as drones. He emphasised that adapting to technological change is essential for the UK's future defence.
Mr Healey said the deal would bring more opportunities for young people, more jobs for workers, and more investment in businesses in Wales, as well as battle-winning technology for the armed forces. He noted that the war in Ukraine shows that armed forces are only as strong as the industry and innovators that support them.
The deal includes plans to open a defence technical excellence college next year to train engineers, and to expand drone testing by widening air corridors across central Wales. The aim is to onshore production of key technologies to the UK, securing the war-fighting readiness of British and Nato forces.
First Minister Baroness Morgan highlighted that Wales has talented companies and educational institutions ready to take advantage of these opportunities, particularly given the unstable global situation. The deal seeks to make it easier for small businesses in Wales to secure defence contracts.
