The site, on the former Honda plant at South Marston, is being redeveloped as Panattoni Park Swindon. National reports suggest the MoD intends to occupy around 525,000 sq ft to create a large indoor drone testing and evaluation facility.
National reporting suggests the proposed site, referred to in correspondence as “DroneTex”, would serve as a major evaluation hub for uncrewed systems. The MoD has not formally confirmed the move.
The Honda factory closed in 2021, bringing decades of automotive production in Swindon to an end. Since then, Panattoni has been progressing one of the largest brownfield regeneration schemes in the country, totalling more than 7m sq ft of commercial space.
If confirmed, an MoD-controlled indoor drone facility of this scale would represent a significant change in how the site is used and perceived.
A purpose-built indoor testing space would allow year-round evaluation of unmanned aerial systems without weather or airspace restrictions. It would move beyond traditional warehousing and into specialist defence infrastructure.
The reported proposal follows the Government’s £5 billion commitment to drones and directed energy systems. It reflects a broader strategic pivot towards autonomous and uncrewed defence capability.
Will Stone MP confirmed he has been working with Ministers and the MoD to promote Swindon as a potential location.
He told Swindon 24:
“Having worked alongside Ministers and the MOD, to push forward the idea of a drone testing facility located in Swindon,
“I am delighted that the MOD is considering investing in a facility in Swindon.
“The potential for a world leading indoor drone testing facility, this is something that will be essential for the next generation of warfare. It will offer good skilled employment in the Town and help boost the uncrewed systems ecosystem.
Correspondence seen by Swindon 24 reportedly shows senior defence figures, including the National Armament Director, have visited the site.
At the same time, Swindon is already gaining traction as a centre for drone manufacturing, beyond testing infrastructure alone. Portuguese defence technology firm Tekever has confirmed it will open its fourth UK facility in Swindon, establishing its largest site to date in the historic Spectrum Building in West Swindon.
Defence momentum is already building locally.
Earlier this year, defence and drone technology firm Flyby confirmed it was establishing operations in Swindon, citing the town’s industrial direction. Founder Jon Parker told Swindon 24:
“Will’s [MP] vision for Swindon just captured me…
Jon said Swindon’s history of reinvention was a decisive factor:
“Your history, your ability to reinvent yourselves, that’s innovation. We’re coming to the right place.”
If the MoD anchors a major testing facility at Panattoni Park, Swindon would move from hosting individual defence firms to forming part of a wider unmanned systems cluster along the M4 corridor.
If confirmed, the project would position Swindon within the UK’s expanding defence innovation network.
Please stop.making Swindon an A list target in the event of war, which is looking inevitable.
Who are the recruiting folks? Please advise .
I work fold Aldi warehouse next door Swindon was interested in joining in this new company