Factory could help defend UK - cabinet minister

Defence Secretary John Healey said the factory was a "vote of confidence" in Plymouth and the UK

Technology being developed at a factory in Plymouth could play a "big part" in defending the UK, a cabinet minister has said.

Defence Secretary John Healey formally opened German firm Helsing's Plymouth Resilience Factory which will be used to produce unmanned submarine gliders.

The factory's opening comes after it was confirmed by the government a Russian spy ship Yantar, which is designed for gathering intelligence and mapping undersea cables, was spotted near the UK coast for the second time this year.

Healey said the gliders could extend the range of the UK's defence systems and deter aggressors.

Helsing said the gliders have no traditional propellers or means of propulsion and move through the water by changing their buoyancy.

The company, which has opened the factory as part of a £350m investment in the UK, said the devices listen out for any activity in the water.

Healey said the site was a "vote of confidence" for the UK and Plymouth.

"As we look to defend ourselves, seas and protect our cables, the uncrewed submarines or underwater gliders have the potential for playing a big part in the future," he said.

"It allows us to extend the range of how we can detect, how we can deter and if necessary, deal with any aggression that we face."

Defence Secretary John Healey (second left) opened the factory in Plymouth