Hampshire drone manufacturing site says investment is needed in uncrewed robotics
It comes as Conservatives announce new £50 billion defence fund
A company in Hampshire that manufactures drones which are used in Ukraine was the centre point of an announcement from the Conservative Party yesterday.
The Conservative Party announced plans to re-allocate money that is currently being used for environmental projects, into a new £50 billion defence fund.
The Conservatives cite the world becoming increasingly more volatile and dangerous as the main reason behind the announcement.
The announcement was made just before Kemi visited Evolve Dynamics, a drone manufacturing site in Hampshire
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch says drones are key area that need developing
"We need to accelerate our defence capability, in drones. The warfare is changing. What we used to work 20 years ago isn't right for today. Now is the time to make sure that we get ourselves ready for the next set of conflicts."
Kemi Badenoch also emphasised the importance of supporting small businesses like Evolve Dynamics
“We need to accelerate our defence capability, especially in drones. This is the moment to commit to small businesses, they are the lifeblood of our economy."
Alongside the Conservative leader was James Cartledge, shadow minister for defence.
He says that investment in drones is vital, as well as ensuring they can be sourced locally.
"It's how war is fought today, massively accelerating their procurement is fundamental, but also ensuring they're made by British companies like this one and without relying on China for the components."
Tom Redman is CEO of Evolve Dynamics, he echoed the idea that drone investment is needed in the UK
"It's complex, but technology, uncrewed robotics, but AI has kind of been accelerated to that. It's creating a very complex and rapidly changing defence ecosystem. So I think we do need to be investing."
Tom Redman also spoke about what he hoped the fund could do
"The biggest thing I think that this fund would enable us to do is to deepen our ties with the supply chain and focus on ensuring critical technologies. So it be things like the sensors, energy management around the batteries and the propulsion systems."