Known as the Co-operative Strike Weapons Technology
Demonstrator (CSWTD), the Dstl-led project will explore how
inter-missile communication can enable the weapons systems
to work together and also improve the performance of
current systems.
The project aims to increase the flexibility of missiles,
ensuring that they can react to a changing threat or
situation as it emerges, and improve their responsiveness.
It will change the way missiles operate together with an
upgrade to the software system that allows this
co-operative behaviour.
Minister for Defence Procurement, said:
Drawing on the vital expertise of our Dstl
scientists, innovative new missile systems will
enhance our current capabilities as Defence adapts to
meet future threats.
With an investment into research and development,
this project highlights the central role science and
technology plays in informing how our assets operate.
Announced by the Prime Minister last November, Defence has
received an uplift in funding of £24-billion over the next
four years and, aided by commitments outlined in the recent
Defence Command Paper, the MOD will invest £6.6-billion
into Research & Development, enabling the Armed Forces
to benefit from science and innovation.
The investment into the CSWTD project will deliver the
foundations for future co-operative missiles, including
hardware and software, and also provide a number of systems
studies to understand how co-operative missiles could be
used in real operational scenarios.
Dstl Scientist Charlie said:
Currently missiles can communicate with the launch
platform but not each other.
The aim of this programme is to investigate how
inter-missile communication and cooperative
behaviours can be technically achieved to solve UK
military challenges.
Work began on the programme in April this year and is
expected to last just over 2 years. The current stage of
the programme sees Dstl scientists assessing different
military tactics and scenarios in close collaboration with
industry partner MBDA.
A demonstration will take place throughout the project, and
if successful, UK platforms could be exploiting the
benefits of a smarter integrated network of missiles within
5 years.
Dstl has just announced its biggest recruitment campaign in
recent years and will also celebrate its 20th anniversary
of service this weekend.
