DEFENCE contractor QinetiQ is set to create 100 new jobs in Malvern thanks to a major new contract.

The company, based at St Andrew's Road, has won a £67m contract with the Ministry of Defence to develop satellite navigation capabilities to be used by the country's armed forces, including controlling drones.

Collins Aerospace, based at the nearby Malvern Hills Science Park, will also benefit as a sub-contractor in the deal.

Defence minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan said: “Whether it’s soldiers conducting operations in remote environments or fighter jet pilots flying in contested airspace, our armed forces depend on satellite navigation technology.

“These state-of-the-art receivers will help to ensure our armed forces can defend UK interests wherever and whenever they are threatened.”

Steve Wadey, QinetiQ chef executive, said: “Ensuring that UK forces have the best and most resilient secured navigation capabilities is essential to ensuring that they are able to operate effectively in increasingly challenging operational environments.

"This programme will exploit QinetiQ’s advanced technologies and, working collaboratively with our partners across the supply base, deliver substantial operational advantage for UK defence.”

MP Harriett Baldwin said: “I was briefed on the latest win by Steve Wadey, and I was pleased to be able to congratulate him and his Malvern team for this great success.

“I am told that the business is Malvern is strong and it is good to see other companies in the town working together securing jobs and further growth for the area.

“The brilliant brains of Malvern have always been one of the town’s finest assets and I am pleased to be able to join with one of West Worcestershire’s largest employers to talk about its plans for continued growth.”