A COMPANY whose aim is to gain a greater share of defence contracts for North-East firms has branched out into Yorkshire.

Northern Defence Industries (NDI) will use the combined skills and strengths of firms in the county as extra bargaining power when tendering to build new weapons systems and military hardware.

The not-for-profit business officially launched its expansion into Yorkshire at an event held at the Royal Armouries in Leeds yesterday.

The move came as northern defence and aerospace companies were given an opportunity to meet major prime contractors.

NDI arranged for top international contractors to outline future business opportunities which could be worth billions of pounds. They cover aerospace, marine and land systems.

A range of potential projects were outlined at the event including:

* Military Afloat Refuelling and Sustainability - with a potential requirement of seven to nine new ships to be built.

* Export opportunities for a lightweight anti-tank missile.

* Future Integrated Soldier Technology - equipping the "Robocop" soldier for the 21st Century and Watchkeeper unmanned aerial vehicle.

NDI has 108 member companies with a combined annual turnover of £700m and employs more than 8,500 people. NDI is supported by One NorthEast, the regional development agency for the North-East, and the Yorkshire RDA, Yorkshire Forward.

Robin Fox, who has a strong marketing background, has been appointed operations manager for NDI in Yorkshire.