Wales chosen as test site for £50m defence technology agreement
Wales is set to play a central role in the development of next-generation autonomous defence technology under a new £50 million agreement
Last updated 20th Feb 2026
Wales is set to play a central role in the development of next-generation autonomous defence technology under a new £50 million agreement between the UK and Welsh governments.
The Wales Defence Growth Deal, signed at Cardiff Castle by UK Defence Secretary John Healey, Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan and Wales Secretary Jo Stevens, aims to expand testing and manufacturing of uncrewed and autonomous systems in Wales.
The deal will widen access to Ministry of Defence test ranges, including at MOD Aberporth, and could see new air corridors opened across central Wales to allow testing of uncrewed aerial systems.
The technology involved includes systems used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, as well as so-called “one-way” drones.
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.”
The First Minister of Wales 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.”
Plans also include work towards establishing a new Defence Technical Excellence College by 2027, intended to train future defence engineers and technicians.
Industry group ADS welcomed the deal, saying Wales already has strengths in unmanned systems and dual-use technologies, and that the investment could help unlock further growth in the sector.