Business News: Swindon Drone Companies Drive New Era for Advanced Manufacturing

Swindon drone companies are playing a growing role in the town’s next industrial chapter, as major investment flows into advanced manufacturing and defence-linked operations across the region.

Recent announcements confirm that the Ministry of Defence is set to take a substantial unit at the former Honda manufacturing site. This follows the arrival and expansion of several drone and autonomous systems manufacturers establishing operations in Swindon.

Together, these developments mark an important milestone — not just for the site itself, but for the wider business community across the region.

A Strategic Shift at the Former Honda Site

The former Honda plant has long been part of Swindon’s engineering identity. Its closure marked the end of a major chapter in the town’s manufacturing history.

However, its redevelopment is now attracting a new generation of advanced manufacturing and technology-led organisations.

The scale of the site, combined with its proximity to Junction 15 of the M4 and access to skilled engineering talent, makes it an attractive base for organisations operating in high-security and innovation-driven sectors.

The involvement of the Ministry of Defence reinforces the strategic importance of the location and signals long-term confidence in Swindon as a centre for advanced capability.

The Rise of Drone Companies in Swindon

Swindon has recently attracted a number of drone and autonomous systems manufacturers, including TEKEVER, STARK, Flyby Technology and Munin Dynamics.

These organisations operate at the intersection of aerospace engineering, electronics manufacturing, software development and secure communications. Their presence strengthens Swindon’s reputation as more than a logistics or distribution hub — it is increasingly part of the UK’s advanced technology ecosystem.

As drone companies in Swindon expand, a wider supply chain and professional services network naturally grows around them, supporting everything from engineering consultancy to infrastructure and facilities development.

What This Means for Local Businesses

The expansion of advanced manufacturing and defence-linked organisations has broader implications for the local business environment.

Modern R&D and production facilities rely heavily on integrated infrastructure, including:

  • High-performance and resilient IT networks

  • Secure data environments

  • Controlled access systems

  • CCTV and perimeter security

  • Professional collaboration and meeting environments

  • Scalable digital systems to support growth

In sectors where intellectual property, operational data and compliance are critical, infrastructure resilience and security become fundamental requirements rather than optional enhancements.

As Swindon’s technology sector grows, demand for secure, integrated and future-ready systems will increase across the wider business community.

A Local Perspective

For Sysflex, the redevelopment of the former Honda site carries particular significance.

Our founder and Managing Director began his IT career at Honda in Swindon, working within a manufacturing environment where operational reliability and structured systems were essential. That early experience helped shape the company’s practical approach to technology — ensuring that IT and building systems are designed to support real-world operations, not just office-based workflows.

Today, Sysflex supports technology-led organisations, manufacturing businesses and R&D environments across Swindon and the South West.

Through our specialist divisions, we deliver integrated support across:

By aligning IT, AV and security disciplines, businesses benefit from cohesive systems designed to operate together — particularly important in complex industrial and research environments.

A Positive Outlook for Swindon

The continued investment in drone technology and defence-linked operations represents a strong vote of confidence in Swindon’s future.

It strengthens the town’s position as:

  • A centre for engineering excellence

  • A location capable of supporting secure and high-performance operations

  • A hub for advanced manufacturing and innovation

As this sector continues to evolve, it will bring opportunities not only for those directly involved in drone manufacturing, but for the wider ecosystem of technology, infrastructure and professional service providers across the region.

Swindon’s business landscape is changing — and the foundations for its next industrial chapter are now firmly in place.