Arming the future of UK defence at Bicester Arc: A leading military facility in Oxfordshire

With the government declaring that the UK faces a ‘new era of threat’, the development of top-level military facilities and bases is even more crucial to the nation’s defence and security.

Modern facilities are essential for training defence personnel and developing new innovative technologies to support a cutting-edge military force.

The development of our defence infrastructure could have major implications for commercial property and available land in Oxfordshire, which offers several strategic advantages for defence companies and military investments.

The government’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR) – emphasising the need for enhanced military readiness and a ‘NATO-first’ approach – signals a catalyst for growth for research and defence tech companies and the chance to play a key role in developing our overall security.

Creating military and defence facilities ready for use

The SDR contains plans for cyber and electronic warfare investment for AI, robotics, energy weapons and data science and machine learning, raising the prospect of further investment in military and defence facilities. The government has pledged to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, bolstering the defence industry and creating more than 1,000 new jobs.

The government’s Defence Innovation Fund also encourages collaboration between the Ministry of Defence, industry and academia to foster a dynamic and innovative defence ‘ecosystem’. This plays to the strengths of the Oxfordshire region and its major defence-related industries and locations, as well as its proximity to world-leading universities like the University of Oxford.

The 48-acre Bicester Arc site is ideally placed to serve these needs, offering the opportunity for defence contractors and tech companies to create a pioneering campus or bespoke, individual facilities for the defence sector.

Why choose Bicester Arc for your military defence operations?

As well as offering the ideal space and location for a strategic military facility, Bicester Arc is a unique destination that could be home to a variety of military defence operations. The site features a dedicated 13.7 MVA power supply – its primary substation offers reliable, scalable power – essential for military defence operations – and is available solely for the use of Bicester Arc’s occupants.

Skilled local workforce

Bicester Arc offers unrivalled access to a well-educated workforce thanks to its proximity to world-leading universities and similar defence-related industries and locations in the region. These include RAF Brize Norton, MOD Bicester (Logistics) and MOD Kineton in Warwickshire.

The county is home to companies such as QinetiQ, a leading defence technology company and Oxford Dynamics, which provides advanced AI systems for data analysis and is recognised as a key player in modernising UK defence intelligence. Bicester is also less than an hour by car from the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom at Shrivenham.

In addition, there will be access to a potential future workforce with plans to build 10,000 new homes by 2031, boosting Bicester’s population, which is projected to reach 50,000.

Strategic location

Bicester is one of Oxfordshire’s fastest-growing towns and has excellent rail links to London, Birmingham and Oxford. It is just five minutes away from junction 9 of the M40 and is a 20-minute journey to Oxford. It’s also within easy reach for visitors from further afield via Heathrow Airport, Gatwick Airport and Birmingham and Luton Airports.

Sustainable future

Future occupiers of the Bicester Arc site will benefit from a planned on-site eco park that will focus on sustainability and protecting biodiversity while encouraging users to feel at one with nature. The 15-acre project will be an oasis of nature and relaxation, with green spaces and walking trails just some of the elements to be incorporated.

Planning support and flexible space options

Two detailed outline planning approvals have been granted to Bicester Arc for more than 600,000 sq ft, giving defence and military investors and organisations endless opportunities to create their own space. The site also has its own reliable power source.

Depending on their operational needs, the future owners could create a bespoke single building in excess of 300,000 sq ft or a range of standalone units of 10,000 sq ft.

As well as the opportunity to create a new military facility, the planned enhancement of existing military facilities will drive the need for commercial properties nearby to support logistics and supply chains. Oxfordshire has a large military presence with bases including Bicester Garrison.

Create your leading, secure military and defence facility in Oxfordshire

Bicester Arc is the ideal site for a major defence-related development, from research establishments and advanced manufacturing businesses to a high-security military facility.

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Frequently asked questions

How much does UK spend on defence?

Defence spending is a considerable expense for the UK government, expected to total £62.2 billion in 2025/26, increasing to £73.5 billion in 2028/29. A large portion of this funding increase has been designated to capital budgets – in 2024/25 the Ministry of Defence (MOD) had the largest capital budget of any government department, and this is expected to continue

Between 2009/2010 and 2016/17, defence spending fell by 22% in real-terms, but since then it has been rising, and this is expected to continue as we enter world where old geopolitical certainties are being questioned.

The government has now committed to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, with a further increase to 3.5% of GDP by 2035, in accordance with a new NATO target.

What is the Ministry of Defence?

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is the department in central government responsible for protecting national security, both at home and overseas, and serves as the headquarters of the British Armed Forces.

As of 2026, the MoD has four top-level budget areas. The Department of State manages the overall department, while Military Strategic Headquarters leads on operational command and ensuring military readiness.

The National Armaments Director Group is responsible for equipment procurement. Finally, the Defence Nuclear Enterprise is dedicated to maintaining the UK’s nuclear deterrent.