With our historic links with the RAF and long-standing history in engineering and manufacturing, the defence and security sector has been identified as a major opportunity for economic growth. Greater Lincolnshire has an integral role in the position of the UK's defence industry. Home to some of the UK's most significant strategic airbases, the MoD continues to invest millions into the county. It is one of the region's most flourishing and exciting sectors that is accelerating at huge speed. Greater Lincolnshire's ambition is to create a cluster of innovation-focused defence companies, and ensure that our region is a highly attractive, first-choice destination for defence-related industries, service leavers and their families.
Greater Lincolnshire is at the heart of ISTAR in the UK. RAF Waddington, near Lincoln, is described by the RAF as the “hub of UK ISTAR and the main operating base for airborne intelligence aircraft and systems.” The base is also home to the RAF’s Air and Space Warfare Centre (ASWC), and the Air Battlespace Training Centre. RAF Digby is home to the MOD’s Joint Cyber and Electromagnetic Activities Group (JCG), a UK StratCom organisation providing signals support to the three services on operations around the world.
Our bases are accompanied by a cluster of major defence and security technology businesses, providing operational support for ISTAR and digital systems. They are part of a wider regional industrial base with advanced digital, manufacturing and energy capabilities, including Industry 4.0 technologies, robotics and automation, automotive, and power systems.
For defence and security sector organisations seeking a competitive edge through the application of digital and information technologies, Greater Lincolnshire presents a unique combination of location benefits.
