The government has announced it is investing £50 million in defence businesses in Plymouth and the South West, helping them to innovate, create skilled jobs in the region and boost UK national security.

The £50 million deal will expand on the National Centre for Marine Autonomy, making it easier for industry to develop surface and subsurface maritime drones by cutting red tape and providing access to waterfront innovation labs and state-of-the-art testing facilities.

The deal will also establish the Plymouth Marine Autonomy Trials Authority to support start-up and marine autonomy businesses in testing and deploying maritime drones, bringing technology to the market quicker and growing their companies.

Additionally, the deal will also support Plymouth City College’s skills hub, providing technical training facilities and teaching capacity at colleges and universities to have 60 new defence-related courses such as advanced manufacturing, engineering and technology.

Defence Minister Lord Vernon Coaker said: "Plymouth is already vital for the UK’s defence, with the largest naval base in Western Europe at HMNB Devonport providing the backbone of the UK’s submarine fleet. Defence investment in Plymouth isn’t just good for the city, it directly strengthens the UK’s ability to keep our seas safe and our country secure."