A dynamic new partnership aimed at accelerating growth in the West Midlands’ defence sector has been established. The Regional Defence and Security Cluster (RDSC) unites industry leaders, academic institutions, government bodies, and the Armed Forces to foster innovation, collaboration, and expansion across the region’s defence landscape.
Currently, the defence sector in the West Midlands employs approximately 23,500 people and attracts an annual Ministry of Defence (MOD) industry spend of £1.7 billion. The RDSC, managed by the West Midlands Growth Company, was officially launched at the UK Telecoms Lab (UKTL) in a high-profile event.
This collaborative initiative brings together local authorities, key industry players such as manufacturer NMS UK, the MOD, and prominent research entities including the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), University of Birmingham, and University of Warwick. Together, they aim to advance the Midlands Defence and Security Blueprint and align closely with the Midlands Defence and Security Industry Council, ensuring national defence priorities translate into effective regional action.
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Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, emphasized the region’s commitment: “We’re going all in to secure major investment for our defence and security sector, because these are the high-quality, future-proof jobs our local communities need. With Walsall College recently awarded Defence Technical Excellence College status, our young people are gaining the critical skills to thrive in these roles. This cluster unites elite talent from innovative businesses and world-class universities right here in the West Midlands.”
Bruce Hardie, Defence Industry Partner at UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) within the MOD, added, “The West Midlands boasts deep expertise in advanced manufacturing, cyber security, autonomous systems, and engineering. The RDSC builds upon this solid foundation by connecting businesses, universities, and public sectors to create a vibrant innovation ecosystem that delivers cutting-edge capabilities to UK Defence. This cluster supports SMEs and innovators by helping them navigate the defence market, access funding opportunities, and develop partnerships necessary to scale their solutions into lasting defence capabilities.”
The West Midlands Regional Defence and Security Cluster is free to join. Interested organisations can find more details and joining instructions at www.westmidsrdsc.co.uk.