National Assembly for Wales

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Notes the Welsh Government's estimate that Wales's combined defence and aerospace sector directly employs 16,000 people, has a turnover of £3.7 billion, and contributes approximately £1.5 billion in gross value added to the Welsh economy.

2. Recognises:

a) the significant ongoing contribution that the defence sector makes to Wales;

b) the importance of a thriving defence sector at a time of geopolitical uncertainty; and

c) that Wales has a proud history of contributing to the defence of the United Kingdom.

3. Calls on the Welsh Government to support the defence sector by:

a) publishing a Welsh defence industrial strategy setting out how to maximise the economic, industrial and skills opportunities arising from increased UK defence spending in Wales;

b) collaborating with further and higher education providers to expand the availability of apprenticeships, technical education and graduate pathways based on the needs of the defence sector; and

c) working with the UK Government to explore opportunities to strengthen investment in the defence sector in Wales.