The UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) said it has acquired a semiconductor factory in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, “boosting UK defence capabilities.”

UK Defence Secretary John Healey on Friday visited the site, which the MoD said “is the only secure facility in the UK with the skills and capability to manufacture gallium arsenide semiconductors.”

The factory has been acquired by the government from its previous parent company Coherent Inc and will be named Octric Semiconductors UK.

The MoD said: “These types of specialist semiconductors are used in a number of military platforms, including to boost fighter jet capabilities.

“This acquisition will not only safeguard the future of the facility, which is critical to the defence supply chain and major military programmes and exports, but also secures up to 100 skilled jobs in the North East …

“This government recognises the strategic importance of semiconductors as a critical technology for the future of the UK and a significant enabler of the government’s growth and clean energy missions.

“Work has already started to implement best practice governance that will ensure appropriate financial oversight to secure the company’s future success.”

Healey said: “Semiconductors are at the forefront of the technology we rely upon today, and will be crucial in securing our military’s capabilities for tomorrow.

“This acquisition is a clear signal that our government will back British defence production. We’ll protect and grow our UK Defence supply chain, supporting North East jobs, safeguarding crucial tech for our Armed Forces and boosting our national security.”