TWO hundred hi-tech jobs are being created in Newport with a new headquarters and research facility for Cogent Defence and Security Networks.

The company - part of the European Defence Consortium EADS - already employs 500 at Newport but has agreed terms for the 30,000 sq ft Quadrant office scheme at the Cleppa 4 business park.

A quarter of the new jobs will be in research and development of digital communications as the company has secured a number of new contracts.

These include an £80 million order for the defence satellite project Skynet 5.

The company is also looking to expand its expertise in the field of secure radio communications for public sector services such as fire, police and ambulance.

Newport city councillor John Jenkins, cabinet member for development and employment, said: "We believe the business park off Junction 28 in Newport is probably the most prestigious in terms of quality and location in southeast Wales.

"We welcome the news hat Cogent is taking office space in the scheme and is looking to create 200 new jobs.

This will bring benefits to the whole region."

Newport & Gwent Enterprise deputy managing director Jon Hughes said: "This is a welcome boost for the local economy.

"It represents the type of jobs success the city needs to market itself as a major M4 centre for inward investment.

"It will also be important for smaller local companies who can become suppliers and subcontractors to Cogent.

"The Cleppa 4 park is a superb location being close to the M4 and convenient for Newport and Cardiff. The Cogent success can only add to its attractiveness and rental value."

Cogent will have room for further growth at Cleppa 4 as it has an option to develop room next to its new building and this could entail hundreds more jobs.