Jessica O'ConnorThe Government has announced a £50m defence investment package aimed at supporting business growth, innovation and job creation in Plymouth and the wider South West.
The Plymouth Defence Growth Deal, led by the Ministry of Defence (MoD), is expected to create hundreds of skilled jobs while reinforcing the region’s position as a centre for maritime autonomy and defence technology.
The funding will expand the National Centre for Marine Autonomy, providing businesses with access to advanced testing facilities and waterfront innovation labs to accelerate the development of surface and subsurface maritime drones.
A new Plymouth Marine Autonomy Trials Authority will also be established to support companies in testing and deploying new technologies more efficiently.
As part of the wider package, investment will also support a skills hub at Plymouth City College, delivering 60 new defence-related courses in areas such as engineering, advanced manufacturing and technology.
This is intended to address skills gaps and support the long-term needs of the defence sector.
Lord Vernon Coaker, UK Defence Minister, said: “We pledged a Defence Growth Deal for Plymouth and I’m delighted to be here today to deliver on that promise.
“This £50m investment will see Plymouth stay a world leader in maritime autonomy by making it easier for its defence businesses, creating hundreds of good jobs and boosting the defence industry across the South West.
“Plymouth is already vital for the UK’s defence, with the largest naval base in Western Europe at HMNB Devonport providing the backbone of the UK’s submarine fleet.
“Defence investment in Plymouth isn’t just good for the city, it directly strengthens the UK’s ability to keep our seas safe and our country secure.”
