About the West Midlands RDSC
The West Midlands Regional Defence and Security Cluster brings together industry, academia and government to strengthen collaboration, drive innovation and support growth across the region’s defence and security sector.
Who Makes Up the
West Midlands RDSC?
The West Midlands RDSC is a partnership‑led initiative launched in Spring 2026, backed by the MOD and bringing together local authorities, industry, academia and RTOs from across the region. The Cluster will be guided by an independent Chair and an Advisory Board drawn from across industry, local government and the research community. This governance structure forms part of a RDSC’s Terms of Reference, ensuring transparency, accountability and a partnership‑centred approach to delivery.
Core delivery support is provided by the West Midlands Growth Company, but leadership and activity are driven collaboratively by the region’s partners. The RDSC is supporting delivery of the wider Midlands Defence and Security Blueprint, while feeding into the Midlands Defence and Security Industry Council, ensuring the region’s strengths and priorities are reflected at a wider strategic level.
Why We Exist
The West Midlands is home to one of the most diverse and capable defence economies outside London – spanning land, air, sea, space and cyber, underpinned by advanced manufacturing, digital expertise and a strong university base.
However, organisations across the region consistently identify the same challenges:
Access to the defence landscape
The need for clearer demand signals
Navigating procurement requirements
Building the right skills for the future
The West Midlands RDSC exists to address those challenges.
1.
Building meaningful partnerships between SMEs, primes academia, research and government
2.
Facilitating access to defence insights and opportunities
3.
Leveraging influence to accelerate growth, innovation and capability
We are the go-to place for defence business in the West Midlands – connecting primes with SMEs, innovators with opportunity, and regional capability with national need.
Our Mission
Our mission is to unite and empower organisations across the West Midlands to strengthen our regional capability while contributing to national resilience and security. Together, making the West Midlands a leading UK hub for defence and security innovation.
This mission is underpinned by our core values:
Collaboration:
Bringing together varied sectors and disciplines, believing that shared expertise creates stronger, more resilient and sustanable outcomes.
Innovation:
Championing forward-thinking ideas, emerging technologies, and continuous improvement to drive meaningful progress.
Inclusivity:
Broadening access and ensuring all individuals and organisations, including non-traditional suppliers, can participate and thrive.
Regional Pride:
Celebrating the West Midlands' industrial heritage, diverse talent, and entreprenuerial spirit as foundations for future success.
What Makes West Midlands Unique?
The West Midlands is one of the UK's Most Strategically Important Regions For Defence and Security.
Diverse capabilities
cyber, engineering, health rehabilitation & more
Central UK location
a hub for defence activity and connectivity
Breadth and depth
a wide and highly skilled talent pool
Manufacturing heritage
a strong industrial backbone
Academic excellence
leading universities and research centres
Strengths & Capabilities
The West Midlands is home to one of the largest and most diverse defence clusters in the UK – combining land, air, sea, and cyberspace capability.
Today that means:
- Our region's renowned industrial heritage and expertise combines with advanced manufacturing, high-tech innovation and world-class research
- Our 'golden triangle' position at the heart of the UK means we have unrivalled connectivity and national reach.
- The West Midlands already secures £1.7 billion of the MOD's annual expenditure
£1.7 Billion
MOD ANNUAL SPEND
Includes £69 Million expenditure with SMEs
23,500 Jobs
IN AEROSPACE, DEFENCE & SECURITY
Hundreds of Defence-Active Firms
STRONG SME BASE FLEXIBLE DUAL-USE SUPPLY CHAIN
3rd Largest Defence Hub
IN THE UK
Nearly 10,000 Personnel
SERVING OR BASED IN THE REGION
By working together – and with regional support – we can achieve even stronger growth, deepen our influence, and foster greater innovation.
Our Partners
Be Part of the Network
Join a growing community shaping the future of defence and security in the West Midlands