A German defence tech company is to build a drone submarine factory in Plymouth as part of a £350m investment in the UK - bringing “high-quality” jobs to the city. Munich headquartered Helsing will create the “Resilience Factory” at the freeport site at Langage, Plympton, this year.
The Government today announced the artificial intelligence (AI) plant would form a part of the UK’s new plan to deliver jobs by unlocking the economic potential of the nation’s defence industry.
The news was welcomed by Fred Thomas, Labour MP for Moor View, who said Plymouth was chosen as the site for the new advanced manufacturing facility because of its unique position as the UK’s national centre for marine autonomy, announced by the Government at an event in Plymouth last month.
Mr Thomas said: “I’m really excited by this announcement today, having supported conversations between Helsing and Plymouth City Council, and constantly lobbying the Government to do more around marine autonomy. I said that Plymouth becoming the new national centre of marine autonomy was fantastic news for our city, and this news proves exactly how.
“It means investment and it means jobs, and they are coming this year. We have so many incredible businesses in this industry already, but the more investment we can attract from others the better.”
Rebecca Smith, South West Devon’s Tory MP, said the factory will be within her constituency and part of the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport. She said the new facility will bring high-quality jobs, innovation, and investment to Plymouth and the wider South Hams area, strengthening the region’s position at the forefront of defence technology and marine autonomy.
The Resilience Factory will be the home of Helsing’s advanced manufacturing of AI-powered miniature submarines, designed to help protect critical underwater infrastructure for allied navies. The development forms part of Helsing’s accelerated £350m UK private investment through its Trinity House initiative.
The project will create specialist, high-value jobs in Plymouth, the South Hams, and across the wider region, supporting the growth of sovereign UK defence technology and supply chains as Helsing doubles the size of its UK business. Ms Smith said: "This is brilliant news for Plymouth and the wider South Hams area.
“Helsing’s decision to open the UK’s first Resilience Factory, within the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport at Langage, will bring high-quality jobs, investment, and innovation to our community, securing Plymouth’s position at the forefront of defence technology and marine autonomy. This marks the first major announcement since the Government recognised Plymouth as the hub for marine autonomy, building on the significant progress made in this sector over recent years.
“Marine autonomy has become an increasingly important part of Plymouth’s economic and technological landscape, with the Turnchapel Wharf hub and this latest announcement builds on that success, reinforcing our region’s position at the cutting edge of defence and maritime innovation. This is a real vote of confidence in our region’s skills, capabilities and strategic importance."
Ned Baker, UK managing director for Helsing, said: “Helsing supports the Government’s ambitions for our defences and economy. We are investing in both by opening the first UK Resilience Factory and accelerating our £350m commitment.
“We have confidence in the Government’s commitment to new technological solutions for defence. Together, we can attract further private investment, equipping our Armed Forces and growing the economy.”
The announcement and other recommendations unveiled today by the Defence and Economic Growth Taskforce aim to build upon 14,000 extra jobs supported by Government investment in the defence sector. They include developing regional Defence Growth Deals to ensure working people benefit from the Government’s move to increase defence spending.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: “A new era of threats demands a new era for defence and security. That’s why we took the decision to prioritise defence spending, increasing it to 2.6% of GDP by April 2027.
“Through this, and the work of the Defence and Economic Growth Taskforce - including Helsing’s welcome announcement of the first UK Resilience Factory - we are securing our nation and unleashing the economic potential in the Defence sector, benefitting working people across the UK through our Plan for Change.”
Secretary of State for Defence John Healey said: “In a new era for defence, we are building a new partnership with the UK’s outstanding defence industry, with innovators and with investors. We will equip our Armed Forces for the future and make defence an engine for economic growth through our Defence Industrial Strategy - unlocking investment, reforming procurement, championing innovation and backing companies of all sizes.
“I welcome the Defence and Economic Growth Taskforce’s report which recognises how we can boost high-skilled jobs across the country and grow our economy while strengthening our frontline forces.”
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