• Swindon & Wiltshire Manufacturing
• Tuesday April 28 2026

MP champions Swindon’s growing drone industry at conference

Swindon’s growing reputation as a centre for drone manufacturing was underlined at a major defence networking event held at STEAM Museum in the town.

The conference, called Swindon Defence – Networking & Insights, brought together more than 250 companies from across defence, engineering and advanced manufacturing, alongside Ministry of Defence representatives and local businesses interested in the sector.

The event was framed as an opportunity to connect small and medium-sized enterprises with larger firms and public-sector partners, while showcasing how Swindon is becoming a hub for un-crewed systems.

Keynote speaker Will Stone, the Labour MP for Swindon North, used the platform to argue that the town’s industrial base and fast-moving local ecosystem are helping attract new investment.

“We are in an evolution of warfare,” he said. “We are seeing things change before our very eyes”.

Stone also pointed to the speed with which the town has built momentum in the sector.

He said: “Fast forward to where we are today, and Swindon is becoming widely recognised as the drone manufacturing hub of the UK,” adding that there were already several firms in or moving into the town.

His comments echoed earlier remarks in which he described Swindon as an “easy sell” because of its strategic location, affordable industrial land and skilled workforce.

The conference highlighted not just defence needs but local economic development.

Organisers and speakers agreed that Swindon’s heritage in engineering and manufacturing gives it an advantage as demand rises for drones and related technologies.

The MP said the industry represents a chance to revive advanced manufacturing and create jobs across the town.