Drone warfare site opens at Swindon's Panattoni Park
The opening of this site is estimated to create hundreds of new jobs
A new facility for testing defence drones has been inaugurated by the Ministry of Defence at Panattoni Park in Swindon, Wiltshire.
The opening of this site is estimated to create hundreds of new jobs and is part of Swindon's emergence as a hub for the drone industry.
According to the MoD, this "world-leading" drone testing site adds to a series of recent developments in the town, which is already home to eight businesses linked to the sector.
Read more: Advanced drone manufacturing to take off in Swindon by September
Major investment in Swindon
Will Stone, MP for Swindon North, celebrated the launch, noting its significance as the largest MoD defence investment in the South West this year.
He added that boosting employment in Swindon through defence investment was a key priority upon his election.
“I am proud to announce the opening of a brand new MOD indoor drone testing facility in Swindon at Panattoni Park,” Stone said.
“These types of announcements don't come together overnight; it has taken a substantial amount of effort to get this across the line,” he added, thanking those who contributed to the project's fruition, including Brigadier Stu Nasse, former Minister Al Carns, SBC officers and the team at Panattoni.
The facility is expected to strengthen Swindon's reputation as an industry leader in the drone sector and enhance local job opportunities.