Swindon has been selected as the home of what will become the largest indoor uncrewed systems testing facility in Europe, following a major Ministry of Defence announcement at the former Honda site.
Armed Forces Minister Dan Jarvis attended the launch on Thursday alongside South Swindon MP Will Stone and representatives from the Ministry of Defence, the UK Drone Coalition, Panattoni, SDO Associates and defence industry partners.
The new MOD Uncrewed Testing Centre is expected to play a key role in the development, testing and certification of drone technology and autonomous systems. The investment is set to bring hundreds of skilled jobs to the area and is expected to attract further defence and technology firms to Swindon.
The facility will occupy part of the former Honda manufacturing site, creating a nationally significant base for military innovation and advanced technology development.
The announcement comes against the backdrop of significant developments within Government. Less than 24 hours earlier, Defence Secretary John Healey had resigned following disagreement over defence spending and the Government’s Defence Investment Plan.
His departure prompted questions about the future direction of defence policy and support for the UK’s growing drone sector. Despite that uncertainty, Thursday’s announcement signals a continued commitment to uncrewed systems as a central part of Britain’s future defence capability.
Those attending the launch said Swindon was well placed to host the facility because of its skilled workforce, strong transport links and an expanding cluster of defence and technology businesses.
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The centre is expected to become a globally recognised location for the development and testing of uncrewed systems, helping both defence and commercial organisations accelerate the deployment of new technologies.
Will Stone commented:
“This is a fantastic day for Swindon! I was delighted to host the [new] Secretary of State for defence at the new Uncrewed System Center, this is a massive step in the right direction for getting the best possible kit and equipment for our troops. I am proud to have been part of the team that have delivered this monumental project for the town. “
Noticeably absent from the event were representatives of Swindon Borough Council’s new administration, despite the economic significance of the development for the town.
The focus instead remained on central government, defence organisations and private sector partners involved in bringing the project forward.
For South Swindon MP Will Stone, who has supported the scheme since being elected to Parliament, the announcement marks a major milestone following months of engagement with the Ministry of Defence, Panattoni and industry partners.
For Swindon, the development represents the latest chapter in the town’s long history of industrial change. Five years after Honda’s closure brought vehicle production to an end, the site is preparing for a new role at the forefront of British defence technology.
With support from the Ministry of Defence and leading defence sector organisations, the town is now positioning itself at the centre of the UK’s next generation of military innovation.
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