Uncrewed Systems: Testing
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Ministry of Defence's press release entitled Europe's largest drone testing centre opens in Swindon to boost defence innovation, published on 12 June 2026, what are the lessons from the conflicts in Ukraine and Iran that are being referred to.
Answered by Luke Pollard
Two of the key lessons for the MOD from the conflicts in Ukraine and Iran are the pace of technical innovation and a whole of society effort, if our Armed Forces are to retain an edge over, and therefore deter, our adversaries.
The Uncrewed Systems Centre addresses both these lessons. It coheres existing activities across Defence, wider government, industry and academia, and provides the strategy, leadership and prioritisation that will allow the UK to accelerate as a leader in uncrewed capability and our Armed Forces to remain at the cutting edge of innovation.
Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →