CSconnected Welcomes Wales Defence Growth Deal and Announcement of the Welsh Defence and Security Cluster
20th February 2026
CSconnected welcomes the launch of the ?50 million Wales Defence Growth Deal and the announcement of the Wales Defence and Security Cluster (WDSC), which will formally begin on 9 March 2026.
The Growth Deal, signed by the UK and Welsh Governments, positions Wales as a key location for defence innovation, autonomous systems development and expanded access to MOD testing facilities. The formation of the WDSC brings together industry, academia and government to strengthen coordination across the Welsh defence and security landscape.
South Wales is home to the UK’s only fully integrated compound semiconductor ecosystem, spanning advanced materials growth, wafer production, device fabrication, packaging and systems integration. This capability supports high-frequency RF devices, sensing technologies and advanced power electronics used in defence and security applications. Compound semiconductors are critical to modern defence systems, particularly in high-frequency and high-power environments. The concentration of expertise across the South Wales supply chain places the region in a strong position as defence priorities evolve.
CSconnected’s Business Development Manager, Hazel Hung, represents the compound semiconductor cluster on the WDSC Steering Board and attended the launch event.
Hazel Hung said: “Wales has strong compound semiconductor capability, much of it within SMEs developing specialist materials, devices and systems. These technologies are directly relevant to defence and autonomous platforms. The opportunity now is to ensure Welsh companies have clear routes into defence supply chains and secure programmes. Through our involvement in the WDSC, we will work to make sure the compound semiconductor cluster is fully connected to those opportunities.”
Through its role within the WDSC, CSconnected will continue to support collaboration across industry, research and government to strengthen Wales’ advanced semiconductor capability and long-term industrial resilience.
Organisations interested in involvement with the WDSC are invited to attend the official launch event on Mon 9 March in central Cardiff. Registration details will be circulated via our LinkedIn or directly via the WDSC website https://walesdsc.co.uk/
Notes to editors:
Camille Colombier, Marketing Manager
comms@csconnected.com
About CSconnected
CSconnected is the world’s first compound semiconductor cluster, located in South Wales. Supported by the Strength in Places Fund (UK Research and Innovation) and Cardiff Capital Region, the cluster unites leading companies, research institutions, and government partners to drive innovation, economic growth, and global leadership in semiconductor technology.
