Earlier this week I made a return visit to Thales at Turnchapel Wharf in Plymstock.
I've posted about all the exciting marine engineering work going on at Turnchapel before, but each time I go I am blown away by the opportunities the businesses on site provide for South West Devon and the wider region. There are not just innovative local small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) on site but also global businesses like Thales too.
The work being done by Thales is part of the future of the UK's defence capability. Working with the Royal Navy and the French Navy, Thales have developed autonomous mine sweepers - vessels which to date have been able to travel 21 miles with no pilot or crew - and which have been designed to detect and neutralise mines laid at sea.
This means sea lanes can be kept open, boosting international trade. But importantly, these vessels will save lives at sea.
With more equipment on board that a helicopter, these unassuming looking vessels are a key part of the future - keeping seafaring men and women from the UK and across the world safe.
