John Healey MP commended the town for its burgeoning status as the UK’s leader in drone manufacturing.

The comments followed his visit to the Spectrum building in West Swindon, where Portuguese firm TEKEVER announced plans to create hundreds of highly-skilled jobs.

This forms part of a £400m investment in British drone production and advanced AI warfare capabilities.

TEKEVER chose Swindon due to its rising importance in the UK’s drone sector.

Mr Healey praised the combined efforts of Swindon North MP Will Stone and Swindon Borough Council’s inward investment team.

Their work has led to fellow drone companies Flyby Technology, Munin Dynamics, and STARK also announcing job creation plans in the town.

Mr Healey said: "Swindon is quickly becoming the UK’s leading tech hub for drone manufacturing, which is great news for the town, bringing high-skilled jobs and boosting wider supply chains.

"The town has a proud reputation for innovation, playing a key role in the Second World War when producing Supermarine Spitfires.

"I’m pleased to see it once again stepping forward to support our defence industry and our national security with world-leading technology."

He also described the recent defence investments in Swindon as proof of a "defence dividend" seen in good jobs and local growth.

TEKEVER also plans to collaborate with the Borough’s schools and colleges to create apprenticeship opportunities for local young talent.

Councillor Jim Robbins, leader of Swindon Borough Council, said: "I’m personally delighted the Defence Secretary has recognised the Borough’s burgeoning reputation as a defence hub, which will significantly boost our economy and provide skilled jobs for local people."

North Swindon MP Will Stone added: "The Defence Secretary’s comments that Swindon is fast becoming the leading hub for drone manufacturing in the UK are a real boost to the work I and the Council’s inward investment team have been doing to attract drone companies to our town, building on our proud industrial heritage."

The council and Will Stone have also joined the Western Regional Defence and Security Cluster, which was recently launched at the world’s largest biennial defence and security exhibition, DSEI.

The aim is to further enhance Swindon’s growing role as a defence centre of excellence.

Now, with TEKEVER, STARK, Munin Dynamics, and Flyby Technology, over 800 jobs are being brought to the town.

Will Stone said he would strive to consolidate this expertise and expand manufacturing and education within Swindon, through work with local colleges and apprenticeships.