A Defence Growth Deal worth £50 million has been announced for South Yorkshire.

The deal will help defence companies and boost skills by expanding cutting-edge defence research in South Yorkshire. It will catalyse growth across the region by boosting innovative R&D capacity and reinforcing the supply chains defence companies need to equip the Armed Forces.

There are already 3,200 jobs in Yorkshire and the Humber directly supported by almost £1 billion of defence spending each year.

Luke Pollard MP, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, said: "This £50 million investment will mean South Yorkshire’s superb defence companies can develop innovative new technology, helping strengthen our Armed Forces and keep Britain safe in this new era of threat.

"With government, industry and academia – such as the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre – working hand in hand we are making sure this support is really targeted where it will have the biggest impact.

"Through this Defence Growth Deal our government is backing British, and backing South Yorkshire. We’re harnessing the proud industrial base in this area to make defence an engine for growth, delivering new jobs and skills for local people."

South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said: "In an ever more dangerous world, South Yorkshire has a significant role to play in the defence and security of the United Kingdom and our allies.

"The £50 million Defence Growth Deal we have been awarded by the government doesn’t simply recognise the expertise and assets we have here today, it will help us to build the technologies and innovations of the future.

"That Deal will mean we can continue making things, creating secure, well‑paid jobs, giving people across South Yorkshire the opportunity to stay near and go far. All while helping to keep the UK and our allies safe, secure and protected."