Defence News – Late September 2025
Estimated reading time 2 minutes
A major new drone production factory is set to open in Swindon, creating 1,000 jobs.
The new factory, operated by Tekever, was announced by the Defence Secretary John Healey. Expected to open next year, it will position Swindon as a centre for UK drone manufacturing, creating skilled jobs and apprenticeships.
A new Alliance between the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and High Value Manufacturing Catapult (HVM Catapult) will grow the defence industrial base to protect UK interests against emerging global threats.
With the publication of the Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS), MOD confirmed its commitment to unlock innovation, productivity and growth for industry, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). HVM Catapult is a national innovation hub which helps individual businesses and supply chains develop technology to take forward their ideas for products and production processes, from concept through to commercialisation https://www.themanufacturer.com/articles/new-alliance-to-help-grow-defence-manufacturing-supply-chain/
Babcock International has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with BAE Systems Bofors to deliver long-term support for the Royal Navy’s new Type 31 Inspiration Class frigates.
The agreement covers in-service support (ISS) for the Bofors 40 Mk4 and 57 Mk3 Naval Gun Systems, which are currently being installed across the fleet.
The collaboration brings together Babcock’s experience in mission systems support and BAE Systems Bofors’ role as original equipment manufacturer (OEM). The partnership is expected to provide the Ministry of Defence with a comprehensive package of expertise, ranging from design and production knowledge to logistics, maintenance and repair.
