With the publication of the much-anticipated Defence Investment Plan, the defence and security sector is gaining some clarity on how the ambitions of the Strategic Defence Review will be delivered.
Significant investment is being directed towards critical future capabilities, including drones and autonomous systems, the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), and the new Uncrewed Systems Centre in Swindon.
As the security landscape becomes increasingly complex and unpredictable, investment is also being accelerated in artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, cyber resilience and electromagnetic capabilities. These are all areas of recognised strength for the Thames Valley, underlining the potential of the defence sector to continue driving innovation, advanced technology and economic growth across the region.
Through its Defence & Security Working Group, the Chamber continues to bring together industry, government, academia and strategic partners to explore the challenges and opportunities facing the sector and to ensure businesses are well positioned to respond to emerging defence priorities.
As part of this work, the Chamber will host a webinar on 9 July to explore what the Defence Investment Plan means in practice for businesses across the defence and security sector. Delegates can sign up using this link.
The session will consider the implications of the Defence Investment Plan for industry, investment, procurement, skills, innovation and regional capability, with a particular focus on how national defence priorities translate into opportunities and challenges for the Thames Valley’s growing defence ecosystem.
