UK defense firm BANAIR has secured land in rural Wales to test a new portable bridge designed to move troops and vehicles across battlefield gaps.
The company purchased two plots at Wyeside Enterprise Park in Llanelwedd, near Builth Wells in Powys, where it has started testing a lightweight aluminum vehicle bridging system for military use.
BANAIR said the system can span up to 30 meters (98 feet), allowing forces to cross rivers, damaged roads, or dry terrain obstacles during operations. The system is being developed with support from a Welsh government innovation grant.
Testing at the new site will help refine the bridge design while allowing the company to demonstrate the technology for potential customers.
The firm also plans to expand its presence in Wales, with ambitions to build a nearby production facility. If completed, the factory could create around 20 manufacturing jobs over the next five years to produce the bridging systems and light-gauge steel structures.
BANAIR CEO Andrew Gunn said the Powys location will serve as both a proving ground and future production hub for the company’s military bridging portfolio.
Expanding Defense Footprint Across Wales
BANAIR’s move comes as Wales increasingly positions itself as a hub for defense testing, manufacturing, and emerging military technologies.
The UK government recently launched a 50-million-pound ($66.7-million) Defence Growth Deal aimed at strengthening Wales’ role in developing and producing autonomous and uncrewed military systems, including drones and surveillance platforms.
This initiative is designed to improve access to testing facilities, expand airspace corridors for drone trials, and help smaller companies compete for defense contracts.
The program is expected to support thousands of jobs linked to defense research, testing, and production across the region.
Wales also hosts major defense manufacturing activity. For example, BAE Systems operates facilities in the country that support weapons production, including sites tied to the UK’s munitions supply chain.
