Britain’s defence industry receives £200 million in investment from the European defence organisation, MBDA.

The investment is set to create 700 new highly-skilled jobs for Britain’s defence industry at its Bolton site.

The announcement followed the new Security and Defence Partnership signed at the EU-UK Summit which is set to open the door to the EU’s new weapons scheme.

This new partnership is said to lead significant opportunities for the UK’s defence industries, driving growth and supporting 430,000 current British employees.

Britain’s defence industry backed by Government’s Plan for Change

This investment from the MBDA for Britain’s defence industry is said to be proof that the Government‘s Plan for Change is working.

MBDA’s investment is also said to represent a major vote of confidence in the upcoming modern Industrial Strategy, which is set to drive investment in the UK’s high-growth sectors by giving businesses the certainty they need to commit to the UK. 

The Government is backing Britain’s defence industry to deliver skilled jobs and growth across the country as part of its Plan for Change and is providing significant financial support to UK defence companies through UK Export Finance (UKEF). 

In March 2025, the Chancellor announced a £2 billion increase in UKEF’s Direct Lending capacity for defence exports, taking its overall lending capability to £10 billion. 

Britain’s defence industry is one of the largest exporters of defence equipment in the world and in 2023 the UK won defence contracts worth £14.5 billion.

“World-class defence sector”

Jonathan Reynolds MP, Business Secretary said: “This is great news for Bolton and another win for our world-class defence sector, which will create hundreds of good, well-paid jobs and ensure the UK continues to lead the way on the cutting-edge technologies of the future. 

“Our new Security and Defence Partnership will unlock access to the EU’s proposed new £150 billion defence fund for UK firms.

“Coupled with the launch of our upcoming modern Industrial Strategy, communities across the country will see how our Plan for Change is working – delivering growth at home and strength abroad.”

Complex weaponry surges in investment

Reynolds visited MBDA’s Bolton site in May 2025 to formally announce MBDA’s investment in the Bolton site.

MBDA’s contribution to Britain’s defence industry forms part of a wider £500 million commitment from the organisation to expand its UK manufacturing and technologies. 

The investment in Britain’s defence industry from MBDA is set to more than double its Bolton footprint by 2028 and grow its apprenticeship and STEM outreach programme, which already includes over 400 early-career professionals UK-wide. 

The investment also is said to support MBDA’s goal to deliver £10 billion of UK exports by 2032, cementing the UK’s position as a leading manufacturer in the exports of weaponry systems

The Government also announced a £6.5 billion investment in complex weaponry in partnership with MBDA in July 2024. 

“When we expand, they expand with us” 

Chris Allam, Managing Director, MBDA UK said: “We are proud and excited to be building a world class engineering and manufacturing campus in the north-west of England, the centre of complex weapons manufacturing for the UK and our associated recruitment and training will extend our already great workforce. 

“MBDA is privileged to have a 10-year Complex Weapons portfolio agreement with the UK Government.

“This gives us the confidence to invest and better support the UK and its allies.

“It also helps our supply chain and over 700 SMEs who work with MBDA in the UK. When we expand, they expand with us.”

“Reward and recognition”

Megan, Manufacturing Apprentice, MBDA’s (Bolton site) said: “It’s great that our site is expanding and there will be more early-careers opportunities for young people.

“Becoming an apprentice was an obvious choice for me. Having the chance to learn as part of my full-time job and achieve a recognised qualification and career made it a very easy decision. 

“Apprenticeships can be unique experience for each person. They provide the chance to excel in industries people are passionate about and the experiences they get will shape their future.

“Making the most out of my apprenticeship has led to reward and recognition for my hard work and I always encourage others to study STEM subjects and do the same.” 

“Greater economic growth”

Tim Reid, CEO, UK Export Finance said: “Pioneering companies like MBDA UK investing in their people and technologies for the long-term underscore why we are a world leader in defence. 

“Thanks to our multi-billion-pound direct lending uplift, we can support even more defence firms to expand their production lines and take on more international orders from allies – leading to greater economic growth, stronger supply chains and local jobs back here at home.”