Delivering on the UK’s defence and security priorities
Through its expertise in advanced marine technologies, the University is developing solutions and partnerships that are enhancing our national resilience in an ever-changing world
“The threats we now face are more serious and less predictable than at any time since the Cold War.”
The sets out a vision to make Britain safer, secure at home and strong abroad. Through its military connections and place at the heart of a city steeped in naval history, the University of Plymouth is delivering on that vision and much more.
Our ambitions linked to national security reflect our home city’s pivotal role in the defence of the nation. We have a responsibility to invest in and adapt our research, innovation, and educational offerings at pace, ensuring they respond to the ever-changing needs of our community and our country.
Professor Richard Davies
Vice-Chancellor
Our world-leading expertise in advanced marine technologies, including marine autonomy, maritime cyber security, maritime innovation and environmental intelligence are critical to the UK's national security.
Our partnerships with the Ministry of Defence, Royal Navy, and industry in the city of Plymouth and wider South West are enabling the whole-of-society approach to national resilience.
Our expertise in creative services and healthcare are ensuring defence personnel and all city residents live in a place that promotes their health and wellbeing.
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Join us in advancing defence and national resilience through education, innovative research, collaboration, and real-world impact.
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Strategic alignment with national priorities
The University of Plymouth is uniquely placed at the heart of ongoing national defence developments, and is working alongside key city partners and national leaders on initiatives putting Plymouth on the global map of defence and security innovation.
Plymouth Defence Growth Deal
The University is a key partner in the
Plymouth Defence Growth Deal
, awarded a share of £250 million through the UK Government in September 2025.
As part of this initiative, the University will be driving innovation through an Advanced Marine Technology Hub that unites and expands the city's expertise in dual-use capabilities, marine science, and critical national infrastructure support.
National Centre for Marine Autonomy
The recent designation of Plymouth as the UK's
National Centre for Marine Autonomy
reinforces the region's leading role in maritime innovation.
Leveraging decades of leadership in ocean science and technology, we are enabling the development and application of autonomous naval and commercial systems.
The Dreadnought Programme
A multi-generational investment in the UK's continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent, centred around the further development of HMNB Devonport. The scale and complexity of this programme require significant local and regional support in skills, infrastructure, innovation, and civic capacity.
From mechanical, electrical and civil engineering to environmental chemistry, robotics, automation and project management, the skills needs in our city will be central to our education and research portfolios.
Defence, security and resilience news
University provides evidence to major national review of UK counter-terrorism law
Dr Paul Simpson worked with colleagues in the UK, France and Germany to survey thousands of people about their perceptions of terrorism
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What does specialisation for a university mean in a defence-led economy?
Opportunities and challenges in the wake of Government defence spending announcements and the Post-16 white paper
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World-first facility enhances the UK’s energy and cyber resilience
The University's CROWN Lab is the only research facility in the world dedicated to cyber security in the offshore wind industry
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University selected to join NATO underwater security and defence project
Our researchers are part of a consortium working to enhance the security and connectivity of critical sub-sea technologies
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Partnership develops new training to support the nuclear workforce of the future
The first cohort has begun a new module developed by the University in collaboration with Babcock International Group and the Ministry of Defence
- More related news
World-class research and innovation in advanced marine technologies
Our research expertise and interdisciplinary innovation are directly aligned to the UK's defence and security priorities.
We are renowned globally in fields including marine autonomy, cyber security, dual-use technologies, maritime transport and logistics, as well as monitoring and protecting critical national infrastructure.
From enhancing the cyber resilience of ships and ports to pioneering coastal waters observation and developing AI-driven solutions for uncrewed naval platforms, our research delivers real-world impact for both defence and commercial applications.
Find out more about our research across these disciplines:
Maritime cyber security
The University of Plymouth is a global leader in maritime cyber security, enhancing UK national security through innovative research, education, and collaborations.
Our
Cyber-SHIP Lab
– the world's first maritime cyber-physical testbed – addresses Tier 1 threats by testing real-world shipping and offshore systems for cyber resilience, ensuring compliance with International Maritime Organization regulations. Collaborations with key stakeholders such as the Royal Navy, the National Cyber Security Centre, the Department for Transport, the UK Border Force, and the Bank of England have positioned the University at the centre of UK maritime defence and resilience.
Our research projects and initiatives supported by the Alan Turing Institute have produced ground-breaking research into cyber security challenges in AI and marine autonomous systems.
The
Cyber-Resilience of Offshore Wind Networks (CROWN)
project, the UK's first offshore wind cyber security test facility, is expanding the University's influence to include critical offshore infrastructure.
Through the Cyber-SHIP Lab Annual Symposium, co-hosted with the International Maritime Organization, and research partnerships across more than 25 countries, the University of Plymouth's expertise reaches both national and global audiences.
This achievement was recognised by the UK Government's Modern Industrial Strategy, which highlights the Cyber-SHIP Lab as a vital part of Plymouth's defence cluster. Additionally, Plymouth has been designated the UK's national centre for marine autonomy, with cyber security and safety playing essential roles in the sector's sustainable and scalable growth.
Research highlights
Secure AI within Marine Autonomy Systems (SAIMAS)
Framework enabling international shipping operators and insurers to rapidly assess individual ship’s or entire fleets’ unique cyber risk profiles.
Secure X Trustworthy AI Navigation (SeXTANt)
A comprehensive, holistic view of securing Marine Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) AI and to effectively communicate practical solutions to the relevant stakeholders.
Developing an innovative cybersecurity simulation environment for the maritime sector, aimed at unlocking the value of using a cyber range within the maritime logistics value chain.
Maritime Cyber Risk Assessment (MaCRA)
Framework enabling international shipping operators and insurers to rapidly assess individual ship’s or entire fleets’ unique cyber risk profiles.
Marine autonomy
The University of Plymouth has been working for over 30 years to develop and deploy marine autonomous systems. Extensive marine and maritime expertise, world-class facilities, strong industry partnerships, and coastal deployment capabilities create an unrivalled ecosystem to advance ocean observation.
Plymouth, recently designated as the
National Centre for Marine Autonomy
and home to the largest naval base in western Europe, along with – the UK's leading real-world marine test range – offers an exceptional environment for developing, testing, and deploying autonomous marine technologies. With deep-water port access and a diverse coastal environment, the city and the University are delivering transformative ocean observation with lower costs and less environmental impact.
The University plays a crucial role in applying marine autonomy across various sectors, including defence, environmental monitoring, offshore renewables, and the protection of critical national infrastructure. Our researchers design and configure autonomous systems for wide-area geo-intelligence and maritime situational awareness, supporting both national security and the green economy.
The marine science and defence sectors were among the earliest users of these technologies, and Plymouth’s integrated strengths – spanning advanced laboratories to coastal deployment platforms – position it as a global hub for innovation in this rapidly expanding field.
Research highlights
Smart Sound Connect Subsurface (SSCS)
Exploring the effects of offshore wind farms on ocean life
FRONTLINE
Exploring the effects of offshore wind farms on ocean life
Towards net zero
Development of AI-enabled biological observing
Dual-use technologies
The University of Plymouth is at the forefront of developing dual-use technologies that deliver both civilian and defence benefits, bridging innovation across maritime, offshore, and environmental domains.
Our research in marine autonomy, maritime cyber security, advanced sensing, and AI delivers capabilities that enhance commercial operations while meeting the operational needs of defence and security agencies.
From the Cyber-SHIP Lab's work in cyber-resilient vessel systems to Smart Sound Plymouth's real-world testing of autonomous platforms, the University's integrated approach accelerates the transition of technologies from research to application, ensuring solutions are both commercially viable and mission-ready.
State-of-the-art facilities supporting the defence sector
Partnerships that span defence, industry and society
We work closely with the
Royal Navy
, Ministry of Defence, National Cyber Security Centre and a network of leading defence and maritime companies, including , to ensure our research is translated into operational solutions. With these and other partners, we are also playing a critical role in Team Plymouth, the new consortium delivering on the ambitions set out through the Plymouth Defence Growth Deal.
Collaborations with organisations such as Thales, Sonardyne, MSubs, and Atlas Elektronik, alongside initiatives like the and the , accelerate innovation in marine autonomy, subsea protection, and dual-use technologies.
Through these partnerships, our academic expertise and specialist facilities connect directly with real-world challenges to support national security and the growth of a resilient regional defence economy.
The University is also a signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant, demonstrating our commitment to supporting service personnel, veterans, and their families.
Preparing the future defence workforce
Our education and training equip individuals with the skills and expertise needed to meet the UK's evolving defence agenda.
We believe in hands-on learning, ensuring our students graduate work-ready across various disciplines. Our flexible learning options include off-the-shelf and bespoke masterclasses, credit-bearing microcredentials, CPDs, full degree programmes, and apprenticeships.
Our customised programmes, developed with organisations like the Royal Navy and Babcock, help prepare the local defence workforce for future challenges. Supported by expert staff and advanced facilities, the University is cultivating talent to meet the needs of the national defence agenda.
Defence-related study opportunities
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
We collaborate with professionals from the public and private sectors to co-create programmes that achieve meaningful impact for individuals and organisations.
Our portfolio ranges from short, intensive courses to options that carry academic credit, allowing participants who successfully complete assessments to count their learning towards qualifications such as an MSc, Postgraduate Diploma, or Postgraduate Certificate. For other courses, we provide certificates of attendance that can contribute to your ongoing professional development record.