Press release

Wales well-placed to benefit from increased spending on defence

Latest figures show the Ministry of Defence spends £290 for every person in Wales.

Wales Office Minister Dame Nia Griffith at Teledyne Qioptiq.

  • Wales a key player in the defence industry providing critical technology and innovation
  • Latest figures show the Ministry of Defence spends £290 for every person in Wales and directly supports over 7,000 jobs
  • Increased spending on defence recently announced by the Prime Minister boosts national security and drives economic growth

The cutting-edge work being carried out by defence sector firms in Wales has been highlighted on a visit by a UK 바카라 사이트 Minister to North Wales.

Wales Office Minister Dame Nia Griffith visited Teledyne Qioptiq Ltd in St Asaph today (Thursday 3rd April).

The firm specialises in advanced electro-optic technology which is integral to a wide range of defence programmes including the Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft and Challenger 2 tanks. The firm also plays a key supporting role for the infantry through the STAS contract.

 Wales Office Minister Dame Nia Griffith said:

The defence industry is a cornerstone of our national security and economic prosperity.

All of the Ministry of Defence바카라 사이트™s top five suppliers have a footprint in Wales and so we are well placed to benefit from an increase in defence spending.  

Companies like Qioptic are not only driving innovation but also providing high-quality jobs and contributing significantly to our local and national economy.

The UK 바카라 사이트바카라 사이트™s number one mission is kickstarting economic growth. By investing in the defence sector we safeguard our national security, create new jobs and put more money in people바카라 사이트™s pockets.

Peter White, Managing Director of Qioptiq said:

It is a privilege to continue to play our part in keeping our troops and society safe.

Wales plays a key role in the UK바카라 사이트™s defence industry with over 160 companies employing more than 20,000 people and is well placed to benefit from increased defence spending.

Last month, the Prime Minister made a commitment to increase UK defence spending to 2.5% of GDP from April 2027.  

According to the most recent figures the UK 바카라 사이트바카라 사이트™s Ministry of Defence spent £914m in 2023-24 with industry and commerce in Wales, an increase from 2022-23 of £86m and directly supported 7,700 jobs in the country.

In the Autumn Budget, the Chancellor committed £975 million over the next five years to the aerospace sector, with £49 million already confirmed for projects in Wales.    

While in North Wales, Dame Nia also visited Wagtail UK in Mostyn.

Wagtail is an award-winning company which provides detection dogs and dog trainer handling and supplies bodies including UK Border Force, HM Revenue & Customs, Police, Trading Standards and Armed Forces.

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Published 8 April 2025