A new Midlands Defence and Security Industry Council has been launched to drive investment and jobs across the region.
Business leaders from across the East and West Midlands came together for the first meeting of the council, marking a major step in delivering the region’s Defence and Security Blueprint. Key topics discussed at the inaugural meeting included unlocking potential, developing a skilled workforce and mobilising growth among defence and security firms.
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, council co-chair, said: “When it comes to the safety of the UK, the Midlands matters, and we are taking our responsibilities seriously. By bringing together leaders from industry, government and academia, we are creating a strong, unified voice to champion our region’s strengths in defence and security.
“Our shared Defence and Security Blueprint sets out a clear, ambitious vision, driven by innovation, skills and collaboration. It will support national security while driving economic growth, creating high-quality jobs and ensuring communities benefit from the opportunities this sector offers.
“We know that regional government is at its best when it works closely with industry, and this partnership puts that work on firm ground. We have a shared commitment to move at pace, improve productivity, and to ensure that the Midlands delivers on its promise.”
The council is the first body of its kind in the region and forms a central part of the Blueprint, which is jointly led by the East Midlands and West Midlands mayoral authorities and sets out to strengthen the defence capabilities of advanced manufacturing, engineering and digital firms.
It comes after defence was identified as a key driver of the regional economy. Mayor Claire Ward and Mayor of the West Midlands, Richard Parker have put support for the sector at the heart of their growth plans.
They have appointed 16 senior defence industry leaders to the council to support the sector’s growth in the region as the Government prepares to boost national security spending.
Members include representatives from Qinetiq, ESCO Maritime Solutions, Unite the Union and both the Lincolnshire and East Midlands regional defence and security clusters, as well as Derby-based Rolls-Royce, whose division Rolls-Royce Power Systems has just announced “one of the largest defence contracts in its history”.
The multi-million-pound contract to supply about 200 PowerPacks to the German Army for its Puma infantry fighting vehicle highlights the opportunities in the sector for businesses across the Midlands.
The first council meeting, held at the Derby office of engineering services and nuclear organisation Atkins Realis, saw members discuss how industry can help deliver the priority areas set out in the Blueprint, including unlocking potential, strengthening supply chains, building an inclusive workforce and driving innovation.
The meeting also explored early thinking on a potential Midlands Defence Growth Deal.
Chris Spicer, managing director for engineering & systems integration at Walsall-based Babcock International Group, co-chaired the meeting with Mayor Claire.
Mr Spicer said: “It was a privilege to co-chair the inaugural Midlands Defence Industry and Security Council.
“With our production facility in the region and so many of our employees, I know first-hand not just how important defence is to skilled roles but how much more we can achieve.
“As industry chair, it was great to work with other leaders for industry, academia and government to put personal interests to one side and focus on what is best for our region.
“The Midlands has historically been of strategic importance to defence and through this council I’m excited to see how we can reclaim that foothold through providing a stronger, unified voice focused on skills, capability and investment within the region.”
The council will meet quarterly, with initial delivery plans expected later this year.
For more information about the Defence and Security Blueprint for the Midlands, click here.
Published on: 1 April 2026
Categories: News, Economic Development