Swindon defence tech boom set to trigger 1,000 jobs, according to new report

More than 1,000 highly-skilled jobs are set to be created in Swindon over the coming years following major defence and autonomous systems investments in the town.

Swindon was highlighted as a key national hub in the Government’s Defence Industrial Strategy last September.

Since then, two flagship investments have been secured: the Ministry of Defence Uncrewed Testing Centre at Panattoni Park and TEKEVER’s Advanced Drone Hub at the Spectrum Building.

Cllr Gary Sumner, leader of Swindon Borough Council, said: “Twelve months ago, the Government highlighted Swindon as a vital driver of UK defence innovation.

“Today, we can see the real, tangible impact of that vision right across our town. Securing the MOD’s new indoor testing centre at Panattoni Park and welcoming TEKEVER into the Spectrum Building demonstrates exactly what can be achieved when a council is proactive, commercial and focused on growth.”

The MoD centre at Panattoni Park covers over 500,000 sq ft at the former Honda manufacturing site.

According to the council, it is four times larger than NATO’s tactical drone centre in Latvia and is expected to create hundreds of highly skilled technical roles.

TEKEVER, which produces the British-made StormShroud drone, selected the Spectrum Building for its next-generation engineering and production operations.

Sumner added: “This isn’t just about major facilities, it’s about delivering high-value, well-paid, skilled jobs for local people in an industry that is critical to our national resilience and future prosperity.

“From our proud railway heritage to pioneering uncrewed technology and advanced engineering, Swindon continues to lead from the front.”

Five additional firms specialising in unmanned aircraft manufacturing have also either set up or announced plans to bring jobs and investment to the borough: ICOMAT, Shadowlink, Xtend, MyDefence and STARK Defence.

Swindon North MP Will Stone has acted as a parliamentary champion for the town’s defence ambitions.

The council’s inward investment and economic development teams worked with site developers Panattoni, commercial property partners, company leadership and central government to secure the investments.