Defence
Plymouth has been a centre of defence in the UK for centuries. Strategically positioned on the South Coast, it has played a vital role in many of the nation’s most significant military victories.
Today, as home to the largest naval base in Western Europe, the city is preparing to welcome the Dreadnought class submarines — the UK’s future Continuous At Sea Nuclear Deterrent. Supported by Team Plymouth, a powerful partnership driving investment and collaboration across the region, more than £4.4 billion is being invested to secure submarine and nuclear work for the next 70 years.
19,837
Full Time Employees (FTE)
£1,222
Gross Value Added (GVA)
£66,420
GVA per FTE
These statistics are joint figures for the marine and defence sectors in Plymouth.
The best place
Plymouth stands at the heart of the UK's blue‑green economy, offering unrivalled access to marine infrastructure, world‑class research, and strategic national investment. The city’s position on the South West Peninsula combines natural harbour advantages with future‑focused development, making it the ideal base for growth in defence, marine and advanced manufacturing sectors.
Plymouth’s naval base, HMNB Devonport, is the largest in Western Europe and set for £4.4 billion investment over the coming decade, securing its role as the operations base for the UK’s future Dreadnaught-class submarines and Continuous at Sea Nuclear Deterrent.
The Plymouth & South Devon Freeport is a catalyst for innovation, supporting growth in marine, defence, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and net-zero technology. Businesses in the tax and customs sites at South Yard, Langage, and Sherford benefit from incentives including business rate relief, tax breaks and streamlined customs. These advantages underpin a dynamic ecosystem for industry leaders and start-ups alike.
Plymouth is also nationally recognised as the Centre for Marine Autonomy. The city brings together public and private expertise from Plymouth Marine Laboratory, University of Plymouth, ACUA Ocean, Thales, Oshen, Zero USV and many more to shape the next generation of autonomous vessels.
Turnchapel Wharf has developed into a thriving marine business park, supporting innovation in autonomy, engineering and maritime technologies. These assets create a collaborative cluster for marine industries across the city.
In good company
Over 300 marine and defence supply chain businesses operate in Plymouth, producing 21% of the UK's marine manufacturing output and providing work for 11% of the local population. Notable names like Babcock, Thales, MSubs, BMT, Chess Dynamics, Artemis Optical, Collins Aerospace, and Barden’s all have a major presence, while the city also supports a vibrant SME sector pushing the boundaries of innovation.
Plymouth is home to the South West Regional Defence and Security Cluster (SWRDSC), a network of more than 400 members advancing regional capability and facilitating collaboration between business, academia, and government. The Future Autonomous at Sea Technologies (FAST) Cluster unites over 40 organisations developing cutting-edge marine autonomous systems, with subgroups focusing on surface and subsurface vehicles, remote operations, and the Smart Sound Plymouth programme. These collaborative platforms ensure the steady flow of new ideas and cross-sector advancement.
Skills
Plymouth’s marine and defence sectors are underpinned by homegrown talent nurtured through leading education, technical training, and close industry partnerships.
The University of Plymouth supports over 3,000 staff and students in its Marine Institute, one of Europe’s largest and a hub for international research. Its world-class expertise spans COAST Laboratory for wave and tidal testing, marine navigation and simulation, innovation in cyber security (including the Cyber-SHIP Lab), and decarbonisation through the Centre for Offshore Renewable Energy (C-DORE). A dedicated Marine Station offers teaching spaces, research vessel access, and deep-water exploration using advanced remotely operated vehicles.
Technical education is driven by City College Plymouth, which anchors higher technical maritime skills training at Oceansgate, providing apprenticeships and degree courses in marine engineering, boatbuilding, naval architecture, autonomous vehicles, and marine science. These are developed with employers to prepare talent for local and global marine careers.
Plymouth also excels in professional maritime training, offering specialist certifications and apprenticeships by SeaRegs Training, the Fugro Academy, and Western Maritime Training, covering remotely operated vehicles, marine safety, and international standards. MLA College provides award-winning distance learning degrees in sustainable maritime operations, hydrology, meteorology, and oceanography, building skills for the next generation of the sector.
Find out more about the Defence sector in Plymouth.
Get in touch
If your business operates in the Defence sector and you’re looking to grow or relocate to Plymouth, our Invest Plymouth team can help. Contact us today to explore the tailored support and opportunities available in this industry.
Latest Defence News
Team Plymouth has taken centre stage at Westminster showcasing the city's pivotal role in shaping the UK's defence and future and driving inclusive growth across the South West.
A corner of the University of Plymouth campus overlooking one of the city’s busiest road systems has been transformed into a cutting-edge facility that will enhance the nation’s energy security.
Babcock International Group was announced as the winner of the Net Zero Resource Efficiency category at the MOD Sanctuary Awards.