Huntingdonshire hosted one of the UK's most significant defence clusters, with three of the Ministry of Defence's four strategic sites located in the district: RAF Wyton, RAF Alconbury and RAF Molesworth. Together they formed a nationally important centre for intelligence, innovation and advanced defence activity. RAF Wyton anchored this cluster as the base for the National Centre for Geospatial Intelligence and the NATO Joint Intelligence Centre, placing the district at the forefront of UK and international security.

The area's defence and dual-use innovation strengths were supported by advanced manufacturing, digital technology businesses, strong transport links and a skilled workforce. Partnerships across government, industry and academia further reinforced Huntingdonshire's position for sustainable growth in defence and innovation.

To champion this sector, Huntingdonshire District Council held a Defence Investment Event at the House of Commons, highlighting the district's potential as a hub for collaboration and national investment. The event brought together senior figures from central and local government, the Ministry of Defence and industry, showing broad support for Huntingdonshire's ambitions. Speakers included Ben Obese-Jecty MP, Al Carns MP, Charlotte Horobin, Councillor Sarah Conboy, Michelle Sacks and Major General Matthew Jones.

With its strategic RAF sites, strong partnerships and government investment in housing, infrastructure and skills, Huntingdonshire offered a unique platform for national security, innovation and long-term economic growth.

Read more about the event here

Huntingdonshire District Council and the Ministry of Defence signed a Statement of Intent on 11 December, establishing a new partnership to support the development of a defence cluster in the district. The agreement set out how both organisations would work together to grow Project FAIRFAX at the Wyton Campus into a nationally significant centre for defence intelligence and innovation, bringing together government, industry and academia.

They also committed to advancing the redevelopment of the North Hunts Growth Cluster to deliver new homes, employment space and improved infrastructure linking Huntingdonshire with Cambridge, London and wider regions. All development would align with local and national strategies, maximising the opportunities from Project FAIRFAX and the Growth Cluster while supporting the ambitions in Huntingdonshire Futures, the CPCA Local Growth Plan, the Strategic Defence Review 2025 and the Defence Industrial Strategy.

Councillor Sarah Conboy described the partnership as a pivotal moment, highlighting the potential to strengthen the local economy, create high-quality jobs, deliver essential infrastructure and build a stronger future for communities across Huntingdonshire.

Read more about it here