The UK government launched the Northern Ireland Defence Growth Deal with £50m to support the local defence sector. Officials expect the investment to create hundreds of jobs.

Defence Minister Luke Pollard and Northern Ireland Office Minister Matthew Patrick visited Belfast Met College on Wednesday. They met representatives from local industry and academia.

The deal establishes a programme to help small and medium-sized enterprises and start-ups enter the defence supply chain. It includes a Secure Innovation Hub for research and development.

Additional funding targets skills in engineering and technology. Officials will partner with industry, colleges, and universities, including Queen's University Belfast.

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly attended the launch. She described Northern Ireland's capabilities in aerospace, defence, and security sectors.

Ulster Unionist MP Robin Swann welcomed the investment. He noted its role in high-skilled job creation and business integration into the UK supply chain.

DUP leader Gavin Robinson called the deal a boost for local businesses and skills. He stated Northern Ireland's defence sector employs over 9,000 people and generates £2.2bn in business yearly.

Joseph Reffitt, Northern Ireland director at ADS, said the sector supports well-paid jobs. He expects the deal to build on engineering strengths.