West Midlands strengthens defence and security growth offer with new MOD-backed cluster
The West Midlands has strengthened its defence and security offer through the launch of a new Ministry of Defence-backed cluster, building on the diverse end-to-end manufacturing supply chain, deep pool of STEM talent, and world-class university and research strengths.
The West Midlands Regional Defence and Security Cluster (RDSC) will give firms operating in defence, or in dual-use technologies with both commercial and security applications, a clearer route into one of the UK’s most credible regional ecosystems. The Ministry of Defence (MOD)-backed cluster will strengthen industry partnerships, accelerate innovation and support business growth across the sector.
The partnership behind the RDSC includes local authorities, manufacturers and research institutions – including the Manufacturing Technology Centre, the University of Birmingham and the University of Warwick. At the launch event, MOD teams and Armed Forces representatives demonstrated the defence and security opportunities available to West Midlands firms.
The West Midlands has a deep-rooted defence and security sector, with strengths spanning advanced manufacturing, cyber, autonomous systems, and engineering. The West Midlands Regional Defence and Security Cluster builds on this foundation, connecting the region’s businesses, universities, and public sector bodies to create a thriving innovation ecosystem.
As an integral part of UK Defence Innovation outreach, the West Midlands RDSC helps regional SMEs and innovators navigate the defence and security market, access UKDI funding competitions, and develop the relationships and readiness needed to scale their solutions into long-term defence capability.
– Bruce Hardie, Defence Industry Partner at UK Defence Innovation, Ministry of Defence
The RDSC will support the delivery of the Midlands Defence and Security Blueprint and be connected to the Midlands Defence and Security Industry Council, translating the UK’s national defence strategies into a regional delivery plan.
The establishment of the West Midlands RDSC comes at a critical moment for the UK defence industry, with rising capability demands and rapid technological change requiring a more joined-up approach across the sector. Several other RDSCs are active across the UK, creating a national network of clusters.
This new cluster now brings together top talent from innovative businesses and world-class universities right across the region. It’s a huge opportunity for those companies to grow.
– Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands
Engagement with the West Midlands Regional Defence and Security Cluster offers NMS UK valuable opportunities to collaborate across industry and academia, connect with innovative SMEs, and support a resilient UK defence ecosystem.
– David Zevulun, Country Director, NMS UK
The West Midlands is one of the UK’s most diverse and strategically important regions for defence and security, employing 23,500 people and with an annual MOD industry spend of £1.7 billion. Its strengths in defence and security are underpinned by the region’s flagship Investment Zone, diverse end-to-end manufacturing supply chain, deep pool of STEM talent and academic excellence, with ten world-class universities.
The West Midlands RDSC is free to join, with more information and joining instructions available on its website.