The UK government has unveiled a £50 million investment package designed to bolster Northern Ireland's defence technology sector and enhance national security. Launched today, the Defence Growth Deal aims to integrate small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups more effectively into the defence supply chain, fostering innovation and high-skilled employment across the region.

Defence Minister Luke Pollard and Northern Ireland Office Minister Matthew Patrick marked the launch at Belfast Met College, meeting with academic and industry leaders to discuss the Northern Ireland Growth Deal's role in expanding the local defence ecosystem. A central feature of the investment is the establishment of a Secure Innovation Hub. This facility will offer secure research and development environments, allowing smaller firms to collaborate with major defence companies on a level playing field.

The funding also targets "dual-use" technologies that serve both military and civilian purposes, benefiting the wider economy. Furthermore, the government is providing additional financial support for a skills initiative, partnering with universities and colleges to train students in engineering and technology for future careers within the sector. Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP, said: "Northern Ireland plays a pivotal role in keeping the UK and our allies safe. In Belfast we build missiles that take down Iranian drones threatening our bases and allies in the Middle East. Belfast also builds the air defence systems that keep Ukraine in the fight against Putin's illegal war. Defence is an engine for growth and the MOD is proud to be working with the Northern Ireland Office and the Executive to create more jobs, more opportunities for apprentices and graduates and more investment in Northern Ireland's defence industry."

The deal aligns with the UK's broader Strategic Defence Review and the commitment to increase defence spending to 2.6% of GDP by 2027. Northern Ireland's defence industry currently supports 900 jobs and receives over £271 million in annual spending, with major facilities like Thales' Belfast factory recently doubling production to meet a £1.6 billion missile order for Ukraine.

Northern Ireland Office Minister Matthew Patrick said: "This deal is good news for Northern Ireland, the United Kingdom, and our allies - investing £50 million in our talent, our economy and our resilience. This Defence Growth Deal has been shaped by businesses large and small - our universities, apprentices and representative bodies. With this deal, Northern Ireland businesses enjoy a vote of confidence which will help them secure bigger and better deals. This £50 million boost directly responds to the Strategic Defence Review's commitment to supporting the UK's defence industry's innovation and will help make defence an engine for growth by powering investment and jobs across Northern Ireland."

Joseph Reffitt, Northern Ireland Director at ADS, welcomed the launch of the fifth and final Defence Growth Deal, noting that while details remain pivotal, the initiative should build on the region's existing engineering strengths to deliver sustainable benefits for local communities.