The startup has opened a 200 square metre innovation and integration facility in Swindon after securing a Ministry of Defence contract through an experimentation and innovation programme.
Led by former Rifleman Nathan Flye, the company will specialise in rapidly deployable fibre optic technologies, developing and integrating its systems in Swindon before beginning international exports. The business expects exports to start within the next six months.
The latest announcement marks another milestone in Swindon’s rapidly expanding defence sector, with the town emerging as a hub for drone manufacturing, autonomous systems and defence technology.
Just over two years ago, Swindon had little presence in the UK’s drone industry. Since then, nine defence companies have announced plans to establish a presence in the town, supported by the creation of the Ministry of Defence’s Uncrewed System’s Centre, Swindon’s central location, engineering heritage and efforts to attract investment.
North Swindon MP Will Stone has worked alongside defence companies, the Ministry of Defence, Swindon Borough Council inward investment teams to encourage businesses to relocate to the town.
The expansion comes as the Government places greater emphasis on drones and autonomous systems within the UK’s future defence strategy, including a £5 billion investment announced earlier this year as part of the Defence Investment Plan.
Nathan Flye first met Will Stone in July 2025 while discussions about expanding Swindon’s defence sector were gathering pace.
Explaining why the company chose Swindon, Mr Flye said:
“People are attracted to Swindon for good reason. What has impressed me is Will’s commitment to his hometown but also to serving the nation.
“We desperately need to restore our defence capabilities and what is happening at Swindon will play a big part in that. I wanted to contribute and to support this effort.
“Swindon has a great geographic position, London, Bristol and Andover for Army links, and strong transport connections. The inward investment team have been brilliant, Andrew Wells in particular.
“Swindon has long played a central role in some of Great Britain’s great technological innovations, from Brunel to the Spitfire. This history of excellence has given me an emotional connection to the place.”
Will Stone welcomed the latest investment into the town’s growing defence sector.
He said:
“It’s great to welcome Nathan and shadowlink to Swindon. Their focus on supporting engineering and software excellence is a great benefit to our town.
“Alongside this, I’m really impressed by Nathan’s personal desire to play a further part in the sovereign defence of the UK following his career in The Rifles.
“We now have multiple drone companies set up in Swindon and this addition shows the growing momentum of this industry in our town.”
The growing cluster now includes businesses working across drone manufacturing, software, autonomy, sensors, communications, counter-drone technology and supporting infrastructure.
As more companies establish operations in Swindon, the sector is expected to create skilled jobs, strengthen links with local education providers and further develop the town’s position as a centre for advanced engineering and technology.
