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Plymouth lands GBP50m UK deal to drive maritime autonomy
The funding will expand R&D, testing and skills across the South West.
By
Tom
Barlow-Brown
Defence Journalist, DSEI Gateway
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced a GBP50 million funding deal for Plymouth and the South West of England, aimed at accelerating maritime defence innovation in the region.
Announced on 9 April, the Plymouth Defence Growth Deal will focus on expanding maritime autonomy R&D across several key areas.
Growth targets
Part of the funding will be used to expand the National Centre for Marine Autonomy, established in 2025. This is intended to streamline maritime drone development by reducing regulatory barriers and increasing access to waterfront innovation labs and testing facilities.
Funding will also support the Plymouth Marine Autonomy Trials Authority, enabling startups and autonomous vessel companies to test and trial uncrewed maritime systems.
The deal will additionally back Plymouth City College’s skills hub, providing new technical training facilities for 60 defence-related courses.
The MoD said the investment forms part of the Strategic Defence Review’s commitment to expanding the UK’s autonomous maritime expertise while creating jobs across the region.
It is the second Defence Growth Deal confirmed this year, following a package for Scotland announced last month. Still to be confirmed are the funding packages for Northern Ireland, South Yorkshire and Wales.
“This GBP50 million investment will see Plymouth stay a world leader in maritime autonomy by making it easier for its defence businesses, creating hundreds of good jobs and boosting the defence industry across the South West.”
UK Defence Minister Lord Coaker.
Plymouth as a hub for defence
The region has also seen increased public and private-sector investment. In April, defence prime Babcock announced plans to create a new Capability Centre in Plymouth, relocating up to 2,000 employees, including some from Devonport Royal Dockyard.
“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,” UK Defence Minister Lord Coaker said.
Additionally, up to GBP20 million has been allocated through the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund, delivered by UK Research and Innovation, to support autonomous technology development in Plymouth and the wider South West.
The MoD said it spent more than GBP6.6 billion in the South West in 2024/25, including almost GBP400 million with SMEs.
DSEI Gateway will host a members-only marine autonomy event in Plymouth on 28 April, featuring a guided tour with the Autonomous Systems and Control Research Group and a dedicated plenary session.
Tom
Barlow-Brown
Defence Journalist, DSEI Gateway
Tom Barlow-Brown is a Defence Journalist for DSEI Gateway. Previously he worked as a reporter in the maritime sector covering developments in energy and tech.