Partnership launched as bosses go 'all in' on £1.7bn West Midlands' defence sector

A new partnership, the Regional Defence and Security Cluster (RDSC), has been launched to strengthen the West Midlands' defence sector, which currently employs 23,500 people and attracts an annual Ministry of Defence (MOD) industry spend of £1.7 billion. The RDSC aims to enhance collaboration among industry, academia, government, and the Armed Forces to foster innovation and growth across organisations of all sizes. The initiative will support the Midlands Defence and Security Blueprint and align with the Midlands Defence and Security Industry Council to implement national defence strategies at a regional level. The partnership includes key stakeholders such as local authorities, manufacturers like NMS UK, the MOD, and leading research institutions including the Manufacturing Technology Centre, University of Birmingham, and University of Warwick. The RDSC will be launched at a special event hosted by the UK Telecoms Lab and is designed to build a thriving innovation ecosystem by connecting businesses, universities, and public sector bodies. This collaboration is expected to help regional small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and innovators access funding opportunities and develop capabilities to scale their solutions within the defence market. West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker emphasized the importance of the defence sector for creating high-quality jobs and economic growth in the region, highlighting the recent Defence Technical Excellence College status awarded to Walsall College as a key step in preparing young people for careers in this field. Bruce Hardie, Defence Industry Partner at UK Defence Innovation, noted the region’s strengths in advanced manufacturing, cyber, autonomous systems, and engineering, and stressed how the RDSC will support the delivery of real defence capabilities through increased innovation and partnership. The RDSC is free to join, offering an inclusive platform for businesses and institutions to contribute to the region’s defence and security ambitions while supporting national security priorities. This initiative marks a significant investment in the West Midlands’ role as a major hub for the UK’s defence industry.