Defence and Security Blueprint for the Midlands
Published 20 January 2026
Updated 26 January 2026
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Read the Defence and Security Blueprint for the Midlands co-created by East Midlands Combined County Authority and West Midlands Combined Authority.
Alt text for the summary version of the document published on social media as follows:
This version comprises of 7 pages.
Page 1 contains the text Defence and Security Blueprint for the Midlands, led by the East Midlands County and West Midlands Combined Authorities, delivering on our compact. It has the logos for the Mayors of the East and West Midlands and the logos for East Midlands Combined Authority and West Midlands Combined Authority. There are also images of military vehicles and a scientist conducting an experiment in a lab.
Page 2 text as follows, all in bullet point format: Why now? A more uncertain global security environment. Growing need for sovereign capability. The Midlands is uniquely positioned to lead the UK’s defence future
Page 3 text, formatted as above: Strategic priorities. Strengthen SME potential and supply chains. Build a future-ready defence workforce. Drive innovation and dual-use technology. Mobilise investment for defence growth. Establish governance for delivery.
Page 4 text, formatted as above: Our regional strengths. Combat air and aerospace. Advanced manufacturing. Nuclear propulsion and energy technologies. Cyber security clusters. Defence medicine and rehabilitation.
Page 5 text, formatted as above: What this means for business? Simplified defence procurement pathways. More opportunities for SMEs. Greater access to innovation funding. Integrated regional clusters and supply chains.
Page 6 text, formatted as above: What this means for people? Thousands of high-value jobs. New skills pathways and technical colleges. Opportunities in AI, cyber, nuclear, engineering. Veteran support and inclusive employment.
Page 7 has the text Defence and Security Blueprint for the Midlands, led by the East Midlands County and West Midlands Combined Authorities, delivering on our compact. It has the logos for the Mayors of the East and West Midlands and the logos for East Midlands Combined Authority and West Midlands Combined Authority. There are also images of military vehicles and a scientist conducting an experiment in a lab. It also has the text: Read out blueprint in full: www.wmca.org.uk/defenceblueprint