‘When Britain has needed courage, Welsh men and women have stepped forward’

‘Wales has always been central to Britain’s strength’ says the UK’s defence secretary

The UK Government’s defence secretary John Healey visited Cardiff this week to launch of the Wales Defence Growth Deal, described as a a long-term partnership between the UK and Welsh governments, uniting businesses and research institutions to support of the UK Armed Forces.

Here he explains about the scheme

From the coalfields that powered an empire to the steel that built our ships, Wales has always been central to Britain’s strength.

The valleys and coastlines of this proud nation have sent generations of men and women to defend our shores, and Welsh industry has long been the backbone of our military might. Now, a new chapter begins. One that will see Welsh communities lead the way in the technologies that will define our security for decades to come.

This week, at Cardiff Castle – a fortress that has stood guard over this nation for nearly two thousand years – I was proud to sign the Wales Defence Growth Deal alongside the First Minister and Secretary of State for Wales.

This landmark partnership positions Wales as the UK’s launchpad for autonomous defence systems – the drones, uncrewed vehicles and cutting-edge platforms that will keep Britain safe in an uncertain world.

It was fitting that we gathered within those ancient walls to launch a partnership focused on protecting Britain for generations to come. Cardiff Castle has witnessed countless moments that shaped our island’s story. Now it has witnessed another: the moment we committed to ensuring Wales remains at the heart of our national defence.

This is about jobs and opportunity, as well as security. Thousands of skilled workers across Wales will be involved in the designing, building and testing the defence technologies of tomorrow. From the expanded corridors over central Wales where we will trial uncrewed aerial systems, to MOD Aberporth on the Ceredigion coast, Welsh talent will be at the forefront of this revolution. These are not distant promises – they are commitments that will transform communities within this parliament.

Wales is uniquely suited to this mission. The wide skies over Powys and Ceredigion provide the space needed to develop and test autonomous systems safely. The deep expertise in advanced manufacturing across the south provides the industrial base to build them. And the proud tradition of service that runs through Welsh families provides the commitment to see this work through.

For too long, smaller businesses have struggled to compete for defence contracts against the industry giants. The procurement system has favoured those with the resources to navigate complex security processes, leaving brilliant Welsh innovators on the outside looking in. That changes now.

This government is making it easier for Welsh small and medium-sized enterprises to gain greater direct access to secure contracts by ensuring they have the proper clearances and access, unlocking homegrown innovation and ensuring prosperity reaches every corner of the nation. We want the engineer in Swansea, the software developer in Wrexham, and the manufacturer in Newport to know that their ideas and their skills are valued by this government.

We are also investing in the next generation.

A new Defence Technical Excellence College, co-funded with Welsh Government, will train the engineers who will sustain Britain’s growing autonomous capabilities. Young people in Wales will have a clearer path to high-skilled, well-paid careers in an industry with a secure future. For too long, talented young Welsh men and women have felt they needed to leave their communities to find opportunity. This deal says clearly: your future can be here, doing work that matters, in the place you call home.

Wales already contributes enormously to our defence, and to our shared security. Almost 4,000 people work in the Welsh defence industry, supported by over £1 billion in MOD spending this year.

Welsh regiments have served with distinction in every major conflict. Welsh workers have built the ships, forged the steel, and manufactured the equipment that kept our forces fighting.

This deal builds on that strong foundation and writes the next chapter of that proud story. Ensure our latest news and sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings

But this is about more than economics. It is about partnership – between Westminster and Cardiff Bay, between established firms and ambitious start-ups, between our Armed Forces and the communities that support them. When we work together, we achieve extraordinary things. This partnership will help put the UK at the leading edge of innovation in NATO, demonstrating to our allies that Britain remains a serious player in the technologies that will shape twenty-first century warfare.

We are in a new era of threat. Our adversaries are cooperating in ways we have not seen before. Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine has reminded us that war in Europe is not a relic of history. The proliferation of drone technology has changed the nature of conflict. Britain must be ready, and that means investing in the capabilities and the people who will keep us safe.

Wales has always answered the call.

When Britain has needed courage, Welsh men and women have stepped forward. When Britain has needed industry, Welsh hands have done the work.

With this new Defence Growth Deal, this government is ensuring that spirit endures – powering Britain’s defence, creating opportunity, and securing our future together.