Swann pushes for Defence Uncrewed Systems Centre to be located in South Antrim

Picture: Corporal Mark Webster, Crown copyright

South Antrim MP Robin Swann has welcomed confirmation from the Ministry of Defence that Aldergrove Flying Station will remain in use “for the foreseeable future” following the publication of the Strategic Defence Review.

The Ulster Unionist MP said the Defence Secretary’s assurance was “excellent news” and stressed that the site continues to hold major strategic importance.

Mr Swann said:

“The confirmation from the Defence Secretary that the army recognises the need to retain and maintain Aldergrove Flying Station for the foreseeable future is excellent news. This site offers significant strategic opportunity to our armed forces, and it is right that this has been acknowledged.”

Alongside welcoming the commitment, the South Antrim representative urged ministers to go further by considering Aldergrove as the base for the new Defence Uncrewed Systems Centre, a key initiative set out in the Strategic Defence Review.

In his formal response, the Defence Secretary confirmed that the suggestion had been taken seriously, noting:

“The process to make this decision is ongoing, but your suggestion has been duly noted and passed onto the relevant team. Organisational arrangements will be developed over the coming months, with details on location to follow.”

Mr Swann said he was encouraged by the reply and would continue to press the case for Aldergrove.

“The fact the Ministry of Defence is giving due consideration to using Aldergrove for the location of the Defence Uncrewed Systems Centre is very welcome and I will continue to push for this and I look forward to being kept up to date on this matter by the Secretary of State for Defence.”

The assurance over Aldergrove’s future underlines its continued importance within the UK’s defence infrastructure, with the site now being actively considered for a central role in advancing uncrewed systems capability.