£84 million to boost defence growth plans and create nearly 1,000 jobs

The investment includes a major investment in university-led initiatives linked to marine autonomy and skills development
Defence Minister Lord Vernon Coaker approved the strategic business case developed by Team Plymouth, heralding a major investment in University of Plymouth -led initiatives linked to marine autonomy and skills development

£84 million to boost defence growth plans and create nearly 1,000 jobs

The investment includes a major investment in university-led initiatives linked to marine autonomy and skills development
A major investment in initiatives linked to marine autonomy and skills development, including programmes led by the University of Plymouth, will enable hundreds of new jobs to be created in the city.
During a visit to Plymouth, Defence Minister Lord Vernon Coaker approved the strategic business case developed by Team Plymouth, a partnership spanning defence, industry, academia and local and national government working together across the city and wider region.
The announcement means £50 million of funding, pledged to Plymouth through the Government’s Defence Growth Deal, can now be invested in the city. The decision will also unlock a potential further £34 million from industry and local partners.
The core partners in Team Plymouth – the Ministry of Defence, Babcock International Group, Plymouth City Council, the University of Plymouth and City College Plymouth – will now work together to refine the business case.
The confirmation came as Lord Coaker met city officials, including University representatives, during a tour of defence and education facilities that included a visit to the LifeIn AI event in Devonport Market Hall.

This is a game-changing moment for our University and our city.

Since the Plymouth Defence Growth Deal was announced just over a year ago, we’ve known it has the potential to create opportunities for businesses and communities. This announcement now demonstrates what that will mean, with millions of pounds to be invested in skills and training for the existing and future workforce and a major investment to develop the National Centre for Marine Autonomy. The University of Plymouth is at the forefront of delivering all that, and we can now significantly enhance work with our existing and new partners to unlock opportunities for students and staff, our industry partners and the whole Plymouth community.

Richard DaviesProfessor Richard Davies
Vice-Chancellor

The £84 million investment will establish Plymouth as a national leader in defence maritime autonomy, creating high-skilled jobs, backing businesses and providing new training opportunities for thousands of local people. By bringing together Government, industry and local partners, we are creating nearly 1,000 jobs, developing the skills our Armed Forces and defence industry need, and establishing Plymouth as a leading centre for marine autonomy. This is investment that strengthens our national security while backing British jobs, businesses and communities.

Lord Vernon Coaker
Defence Minister
The investment includes significant funding to develop the National Centre for Marine Autonomy, anchored in Plymouth and committed to ensuring the UK is at the forefront of one of the world’s fastest-growing areas of dual-use technology.
This will include new facilities and capacity at the University of Plymouth and Plymouth Marine Laboratory, will accelerate regeneration across key sites, and will provide vital support for businesses seeking to innovate, scale and compete in emerging markets.
More than 400 UK businesses are expected to benefit from the wider Defence Growth Deal programme, including support for firms working in robotics, artificial intelligence and autonomous systems.
During a visit to Plymouth, Defence Minister Lord Vernon Coaker met University of Plymouth staff and students and approved the strategic business case developed by Team Plymouth
Equally important is an investment in people, and the funding will be used to deliver skills programmes hosted by the University and City College Plymouth.
New STEM engagement and employment initiatives will help local residents access rewarding careers in defence, engineering, construction, manufacturing and digital industries. These programmes will complement recently announced initiatives including £7million for the University and £2million for City College Plymouth through the Office for Students' Defence-Related Skills Funding Competition.
It will also support the newly confirmed £1.5 million Get Plymouth Working scheme will help 500 people into jobs in defence, advanced manufacturing, engineering and construction, with a focus on veterans and young people aged 18 to 25. Around 750 people will gain new technical skills and qualifications, while more than 7,000 young people will benefit from STEM training.
 
Plymouth docklands at mouth of the Tamar
Delivering on the UK’s defence and security priorities
USV Cetus and Falcon Spirit
Marine autonomy
Armada Way, Plymouth - July 2026
Team Plymouth