Swindon Borough Council and Brunel University of London have teamed up to bid for funding to create a new drone and defence technology hub in Swindon, Wiltshire. The 60-month project would turn the town into a centre for building and testing uncrewed aircraft and autonomous systems. If successful, the bid for government investment will help support the fast growth of high-tech manufacturing in the area.
The plan involves using the Science Museum Group Science and Innovation Park at Wroughton as a main site for testing and development. This site would offer world-class facilities for companies to work on new technology. The council hopes this move will secure more high-skilled jobs for local people and build on the town’s history as an industrial leader.
This latest move follows several major investments in the local drone industry, including TEKEVER building the largest drone production facility in the UK right here in town. Additionally, Neros Technologies announced a £10 million investment in March 2026 to set up a new base in the region. These businesses are already helping to establish the town as a specialist centre for aviation and defence.
While the bid is a major step forward, Council Leader Jim Robbins has noted that the government funding alone will not be enough to finish the entire project. The partnership will still need extra investment from private companies and universities to build all the specialist facilities required for the long term. A decision on the funding application is expected to be made in the coming weeks.
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