UK Opens World-Leading Drone Test Centre on Historic Spitfire Factory Site
The UK Ministry of Defence has confirmed the opening of a 'world-leading' drone testing facility at Panattoni Park in Swindon, Wiltshire. The site, which once served as a key production hub for Spitfire fighter aircraft during World War II, is now dedicated to military unmanned systems testing and is expected to create hundreds of local jobs. The development underscores Swindon's rapid emergence as a major centre for the UK drone industry.

Highlights
- The UK Ministry of Defence has opened a 'world-leading' military drone testing facility at Panattoni Park, Swindon, Wiltshire.
- The new centre is expected to create hundreds of jobs in the Swindon area.
- Swindon was a major Spitfire production hub during World War II and is now re-emerging as a UK aerospace and drone technology centre.
- The facility is one of several drone-related operations recently established in Swindon, reinforcing the city's role in UK defence technology.
- The opening reflects the UK government's strategic investment in military unmanned systems amid the growing role of drones in modern warfare.
UK Opens World-Leading Drone Test Centre on Historic Spitfire Factory Site
A new facility dedicated to military unmanned systems testing has officially opened in Swindon, Wiltshire, a city that is rapidly establishing itself as a major hub for the UK drone industry.
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed that the facility — described as 'world-leading' — is now operational at Panattoni Park in Swindon, with the development expected to generate hundreds of jobs for the local economy.
The location carries significant historical weight: Swindon was a key production centre for the iconic Spitfire fighter aircraft during World War II, and the city now finds itself at the cutting edge of aerospace technology once again. The new testing centre is one of several drone-related operations to have recently established a presence in Swindon, further cementing the city's growing importance within the UK's defence technology landscape.
The opening reflects the British government's continued strategic investment in military unmanned systems, and highlights the increasingly critical role drones are playing in modern warfare and national defence.
This article is based on publicly available information at the time of publication. Further details will be reported as they become available.
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