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

Defence Minister Luke Pollard and Northern Ireland Office Minister Matthew Patrick visited Belfast on Wednesday for the launch. They met local industry representatives and academics.

The deal includes a programme to assist small and medium-sized enterprises and start-ups in entering the defence supply chain. Additional funding supports skills development in engineering and technology.

Officials plan to collaborate with industry, colleges, and universities, including Queen's University Belfast, to build these skills and provide student opportunities.

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly welcomed the initiative. She noted Northern Ireland's established capabilities in aerospace, defence, and security sectors.

Ulster Unionist MP Robin Swann also supported the investment. He highlighted its benefits for high-skilled job creation and integration of local businesses into the UK defence supply chain.