The Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP, Secretary of State for Wales, visited General Dynamics Mission Systems–United Kingdom’s (GDMS–UK) Oakdale facility to see firsthand how sovereign defence capability is being designed, integrated and sustained in South Wales. 

Meeting with senior leaders and colleagues from across the business, the Secretary of State was briefed on how the site delivers operationally critical capability for the UK and allied forces. The discussion focused on the importance of maintaining sovereign, UK-based engineering expertise in areas that underpin day-to-day defence readiness but are often unseen in the public domain. 

During the visit, the Secretary of State was shown a working cross-section of that activity. From sustaining and evolving Bowman – the British Army’s core communication and information system in service today – through to vehicle integration, and enabling the British Army’s digital targeting web by connecting sensors and decision makers at speed across all domains.  

Addressing colleagues, the Secretary of State recognised both the technical depth and the responsibility held within the Oakdale workforce. She highlighted the importance of maintaining secure, UK-based capability and the role Wales plays in supporting it.  

“A secure, sovereign defence capability is vital to our national security, which is why the UK Government is investing £270 billion over this Parliament on defence. We are also delivering a £50 million Wales Defence Growth Deal to bring jobs and investment to Wales and help grow our economy,” said Jo Stevens, Secretary of State for Wales.“General Dynamics’ facility in Oakdale plays an important role both in terms of our national security but also in its support of well-paid local jobs. I was delighted to meet some of the talented workforce and thank them for their contribution.”

“It was a privilege to welcome the Secretary of State to our Oakdale facility and to walk her through what’s actually being designed and supported here day to day,” said Chris Burrows, Vice President, UK TacCIS, General Dynamics Mission Systems–United Kingdom. “Our base in South Wales is a working site where teams are solving real integration challenges for British and allies forces, and developing the next generation of battlefield communications alongside UK industry. Much of that expertise operates behind the scenes, so it was important to bring it into view and underline the contribution our colleagues – and the wider Welsh supply chain – are making to UK defence.” 

Beyond the facility itself, Oakdale sits within a broader Welsh defence and advanced manufacturing ecosystem in South Wales, supporting an extensive regional, and national eco-system of suppliers and industry partners that deliver economic benefit to Wales and the wider United Kingdom as well as contributing to high-skill employment opportunities across the region. 

Ongoing engagement with the Welsh Government and industry partners continues to strengthen this ecosystem, reinforcing Wales’ poignant role in supporting UK defence capability.