Helsing to open UK’s first resilience factory to produce AI-powered mini submarines

Helsing is to open the UK’s first resilience factory in Plymouth as part of the government’s plans to develop the economic potential of the country’s defence sector.

The opening of the resilience factory, which is funded through a £350 million investment by the defence tech company, will see the firm provide allied navies with AI-powered miniature submarines to protect critical underwater infrastructure.

Resilience factories are a new type of high-efficiency production facility designed to ensure local and sovereign manufacturing capabilities for nation states.

They enable production for defence assets, with each location able to source from local supply chains and workforces.

The government said the advanced manufacturing facility will make Plymouth the new national centre of marine autonomy.

The opening of the resilience factory will double the size of Helsing’s UK business, with the government saying it will create a number of specialist high value jobs in the Southwest and across the UK.

The move is part of the UK’s wider “Team UK” strategy to ensure the country is globally competitive, driving innovation and reforming procurement and contracting processes to grow the UK defence sector in line with the Strategic Defence Review.

The review recommends prioritising investment in “dual use” technologies that can be used for both civil and military purposes in the UK.

The government said that 151,000 UK jobs are directly supported by the Ministry of Defence’s spend with industry, which is an increase of 14,000 on the previous year.

“Helsing supports the Government’s ambitions for our defences and economy,” said Ned Baker, UK managing director at Helsing. “We are investing in both by opening the first UK resilience factory and accelerating our £350 million commitment.

“We have confidence in the Government’s commitment to new technological solutions for defence. Together, we can attract further private investment, equipping our armed forces and growing the economy.”