Defence engineer adds jobs in £3 million advance

A defence sector engineering firm is bolstering its workforce in a £3 million advance.

Pearson Engineering has unveiled plans to create at least 20 jobs at its Newcastle-based Armstrong Works site.

And bosses say the move will be complemented by new artificial intelligence laboratories, which will “drive forward innovations for the future of the battlefield”.

The plans come as the firm rolls out a partnership with Milrem Robotics, Overwatch Aerospace and MSI-Defence Systems on the launch of a UK-specific version of the THeMIS Combat uncrewed ground vehicle.

It also follows Pearson Engineering’s development of Threat-Sense, which uses artificial intelligence to detect and identify surface-laid mines.

Ian Bell, Pearson Engineering chief executive, said: “The future of the battlefield is changing, and we are committed to being at the forefront of how we protect lives and reduce the risk to individuals. 

“Our technology is already helping armed forces around the world explore how they can use uncrewed innovation to better protect troops.”

Tim Hough, head of research and development, added: “This investment marks a step-change in our focus on artificial intelligence and robotics, and its potential to transform how we provide life-saving products.”

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