A Drone Boom: How Lincolnshire’s Skies Could Shape Britain’s Future
UK’s Defence Union Bets on 600,000 Jobs and a £40 Billion Punch
In a sunny Brighton congress, the GMB union – the workers’ voice behind UK defence manufacturing – put the spotlight on a new “drone hub” and promised a massive boost to the economy and employment. According to GMB, an out‑of‑the‑box investment could pull in almost £40 billion and spawn 600,000 jobs across the country.
Why Lincolnshire? The Ideal Weather and Talent
- Home to the RAF’s Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) fleet.
- Robotics‑savvy university and a seasoned engineering base.
- Average age 33 – a young, tech‑ready workforce.
“If we give the government a nudge, Lincolnshire could become the UK’s flagship for drone manufacturing, a high‑tech sector with global reach and security importance,” says Martin Allen, GMB Regional Secretary.
Drone Tech is No Longer a Luxury
“The UK is still heavily dependent on foreign‑built drones, which is a bit like folding your laundry and then having to shuttle it across the city for the cleaning service to do it.” Allen cracks a joke, but the point is clear: the UK needs to build its own drones to stay ahead in the international game.
Government Steps Up: Funding and Weaponry
Last week, the Treasury confirmed the UK will send 100,000 drones to Ukraine – part of a £350 million U‑V package inside a larger £4.5 billion aid bundle slated for April 2026. The Defence Secretary, John Healey, on national television noted that the UK is now delivering hundreds of thousands more drones this year. He also highlighted a major artillery ammunition milestone, proving the UK’s logistic punch has doubled.
The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) Takes a Harder Look
The recent SDR demands more lethal technology, especially in the face of “certain Russian attacks.” The government is pivoting: fielding more drones means less reliance on other nations for aerial prowess.
Looking Forward
The union’s pitch is simple yet bold: architect a built‑in British drone industry right here in Lincolnshire. If the government backs that, the UK could outpace global competitors, keep jobs in check, and strengthen national defence. The big question remains – will policymakers grant the bold steps needed to make that vision a reality?
