Baroness Arlene Foster pressed for political support of Northern Ireland's defence industry during a House of Lords exchange this week. Lord Coaker, a defence minister, noted a 1.6 billion pound investment in Thales' Belfast site and stated that it should be welcomed for the employment and economic benefits it provides.

Foster highlighted Northern Ireland's established defence sector and supply chain, along with potential for expansion. She called for leadership from politicians in Belfast to advance plans that create jobs and drive growth.

The Department for the Economy website carries no references to the defence or security sectors, or to firms like Thales, since Sinn Fein assumed control of the portfolio. A departmental spokesperson directed inquiries to assembly statements and press releases on official sites.

First Minister Michelle O'Neill expressed incredulity last year over a UK government arrangement for Thales in Belfast to provide air defence missiles to Ukraine. Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald met last year with Cantor Fitzgerald, after which the firm withdrew a proposed offer of 300 jobs amid talks on geopolitical matters.

Archibald and O'Neill did not attend a Stormont meeting during a Bank of America visit linked to investment in the region. Foster, a previous economy minister, emphasised the value of jobs with solid pay and prospects for all communities.