UK defence spending in Wales reached more than £1 billion for the first time last year (2018-19) and supported more than 7,000 jobs, according to Ministry of Defence (MoD) figures.

The department’s procurement spend in Wales increased from £960 million in 2017-18 to £1.08 billion last year — an increase in per capita spending from £310 to £350.

Major defence projects in Wales include the production of the British Army’s next generation of Ajax armoured fighting vehicles at General Dynamics UK in Merthyr Tydfil and Oakdale, the development of a new £11 million Royal Naval Reserve centre in Cardiff Bay, and a £250 million contract with Raytheon in Broughton to provide support services to the Royal Air Force’s fleet of surveillance aircraft.

It is estimated that around 7,700 jobs in Wales are now being supported by UK Government defence spending, up from 6,300 in 2017-18.

The Secretary of State for Wales, Simon Hart, said: “This investment in businesses such as General Dynamics and Raytheon makes Wales a genuine defence industry hub and one of the most competitive places in the world from which to innovate and deliver security.”

In 2017, the runway at RAF Valley on Anglesey was restored as part of a £20 million refurbishment extending its operational life for a further 25 years.

All new UK fighter pilots pass through RAF Valley before reaching their frontline squadron.

Other recent Government defence investments in Wales include an £82 million five-year contract awarded to Qioptiq — based in St Asaph — to maintain surveillance and targeting equipment.