UK backs Plymouth as maritime autonomy hub with £50M investment

The UK government has unveiled a £50 million defense investment in Plymouth and the South West, aimed at accelerating maritime innovation and supporting the development of autonomous naval technologies.

The £50 million deal will expand on the National Centre for Marine Autonomy, making it easier for industry to develop surface and subsurface maritime drones by cutting red tape and providing access to waterfront innovation labs and modern testing facilities.

The deal will also establish the Plymouth Marine Autonomy Trials Authority to support start-up and marine autonomy businesses in testing and deploying maritime drones, bringing technology to the market quicker and growing their companies, according to the officials.

Additionally, the deal will also support Plymouth City College’s skills hub, providing technical training facilities and teaching capacity at colleges and universities to have 60 new defence-related courses such as advanced manufacturing, engineering and technology.

“We pledged a Defence Growth Deal for Plymouth and I’m delighted to be here today to deliver on that promise. This £50m investment will see Plymouth stay a world leader in maritime autonomy by making it easier for its defence businesses, creating hundreds of good jobs and boosting the defence industry across the South West,” Defense Minister Lord Vernon Coaker said.

“Plymouth is already vital for the UK’s defence, with the largest naval base in Western Europe at HMNB Devonport providing the backbone of the UK’s submarine fleet. Defence investment in Plymouth isn’t just good for the city, it directly strengthens the UK’s ability to keep our seas safe and our country secure.”

This investment directly responds to the Strategic Defence Review’s commitment to expanding the UK’s autonomous maritime expertise, and will help make defense an engine for growth by powering investment and jobs across the South West, it was highlighted.

The UK MOD spent more than £6.6 billion in the South West in 2024/25. With £4 billion already committed to Devonport and defence commitments running to at least 2070, Plymouth is a crucial city for the Royal Navy, it was concluded.

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