The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has opened what it describes as Europe’s largest drone testing and development centre at the DroneTEX facility in Swindon.
Named Uncrewed Systems Centre (USC), the new site was officially inaugurated by the newly appointed Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis on 12 June 2026.
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According to the MoD, the centre has been established after “learning lessons” from the Ukraine and Iran conflicts.
It will serve as the UK’s “focal point” for the development and testing of the latest drone technology, while fostering collaboration with industry, allies and partners.
The USC is expected to engage closely with British companies, with a particular emphasis on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in order to stimulate exports and generate job opportunities.
A major focus will be on integrating digital technologies and artificial intelligence, including participation in Task Force Rapid AI Delivery (RAID), a government initiative recently introduced by the Prime Minister and the Chief of the Defence Staff.
The DroneTEX facility, home to the USC, covers 545,000ft2 and has been established as a central hub for developing and testing uncrewed technologies.
The opening of the USC comes shortly after Jarvis, a former Parachute Regiment Major, was appointed Defence Secretary following the resignation of John Healey on 11 June amid concerns over projected defence cuts.
UK Defence Innovation, the main agency for fostering new defence solutions within the MoD, is backed by at least £400m ($537.3m) in annual funding.
Since July 2024, the MoD said it allocated more than £450m to uncrewed systems, of which over £300m has supported research and development.
An additional £142m in rapid investment has gone towards expanding the production of drones and anti-drone equipment.
