Inside Britain’s ‘drone capital’ where weapons built to hammer Russia are made

Inside Britain’s ‘drone capital’ where weapons built to hammer Russia are made The Uncrewed Systems Centre at Panattoni Park, described as Europe's largest drone testing facility, opened earlier this month. The town's growing reputation as a centre for military drone manufacturing has sparked opposition from some locals A town has become Britain's drone manufacturing capital - where weapons built to hammer Russia are made. Swindon in Wiltshire is now a rapidly growing hub for the drone and defence technology sector. It comes after drones built by two British companies have been used by Ukraine to strike military and industrial targets inside Russia this weekend. The strikes, first reported by the Sunday Times, are said to have caused more than £35bn in economic damage. There are currently nine companies either already established or having signed agreements to set up drone-making operations in Swindon. The town's growing reputation as a centre for military drone manufacturing has sparked opposition from some locals. Youth worker Joe Haney, who launched an ePetition calling on Swindon Borough Council to oppose the expansion of the industry. The petition attracted 155 signatures before closing on August 10 - short of the 1,500 needed to trigger a full council debate. It demanded greater transparency, ethical oversight, and public consultation on future defence-related developments and disclosure of any partnerships, incentives, or agreements involving drone manufacturers. But his campaign has also faced a backlash from some residents, who argue the expansion could bring much-needed jobs and investment to the town. One said: "Only the brainless have signed the petition. Nobody with any level of education would oppose this for the reasons given by those that do. The jobs and positive impact to the local economy far outweighs anything else." Another added: "We should consider the town lucky that there's an industry choosing to invest in Swindon (after so many closures). New jobs in a growing industry, how is this not a good thing?" While a third said: "Drones are the future.. and Swindon should grab it with both hands." And another local said: "We need them, we must adapt to the ever-changing threat." The Ministry of Defence has also announced plans to supply Ukraine with tens of thousands of drones, including long-range strike systems, as part of its biggest-ever package of drone support. The Government said it would provide more than 150,000 drones during the year, highlighting the growing importance of the technology to modern warfare and adding context to the debate over Swindon's ambitions to become a centre for the industry. Drone firms set for Swindon include German defence tech firm specialising in AI-enabled unmanned systems called Stark Defence, Tekever, a European drone and maritime surveillance leader occupying the historic Spectrum Building. Other firms include Neros Technologies, a California-based military drone manufacturer setting up its first UK base; DSEI Flyby, an Unmanned systems and defence innovator; Munin Dynamics, an autonomous aerospace and drone developer; and Icomat, an advanced composite materials manufacturer supporting autonomous platforms like Tekever. Four more drone-related enterprises have signed Heads of Terms agreements to move into the area, bringing the total to nine But Mr Haney argues that Swindon should not align its future with an industry linked to modern warfare, civilian casualties, surveillance, and potential human rights abuses. He also objected to comparisons between military drone production and Swindon's historic role in manufacturing Spitfire aircraft during the Second World War. The petition stated: "No economic opportunity, investment package, or job creation scheme is worth innocent human lives." Mr Haney previously said that residents deserved a broader public debate on the ethical implications of becoming a centre for military drone production. He also raised concerns about drone testing, environmental impact, airspace use, noise, traffic, and other defence-related activities. The campaign comes as Swindon is increasingly being promoted as a hub for drone technology and defence manufacturing. Swindon North MP Will Stone has also supported efforts to attract drone and defence firms to the area. Despite the petition, council rules require 1,500 signatures for a full borough debate, meaning the issue will not be brought before councillors. Petitions affecting a single ward require 350 signatures, while those covering two or three wards need 750. The drone petition reached just over 10 per cent of the required threshold. With the petition now closed, there is no automatic requirement for the council to hold a full debate on the matter. Mr Haney's campaign argued that residents should have a say in whether Swindon embraces military drone manufacturing as part of its economic future.