Global defence giant Thales is set to create up to 100 jobs at a new £1million base in Plymouth where it will test robotic boats for dealing with sea-borne mines. The French multinational has opened a trials and training centre at Turnchapel Wharf, creating 20 high-skilled jobs, but with an ambition to grow, possibly to as many as 100. The investment is part of a "major commitment" to developing autonomous and unmanned technology for use in the air and on sea – in other words, robotic vessels. Thales, which reported global sales of €14 billion in 2015, is creating two new UK centres, the other being in Wales. The company said that only through experimentation with new and disruptive technologies will the UK military be able to stay ahead and maintain an advantage over other forces.