- Science & Technology Portfolio launched to support new
projects across Defence
- More than £2 billion of R&D funding allocated between now
and 2026.
- New space sensors to be launched from UK later this year
A new, ambitious Defence Science & Technology agenda, backed
by £2 billion of investment and including an exciting new
satellite launch, has been commissioned today.
Aimed at driving forward cutting-edge research and developing new
Defence capabilities, the Science & Technology Portfolio
outlines a series of ambitious programmes, encouraging industry
collaboration and input to meet future Defence needs.
One ground-breaking project in the new portfolio is the
Coordinated Ionospheric Reconstruction Cubesat Experiment (CIRCE)
– a miniaturised space weather suite onboard two satellites –
which will be launched later this year in partnership with the US
Naval Research Laboratory.
The CIRCE mission will see three miniature sensors fixed to two
cereal box-sized satellites to collect data on space weather as
part of Virgin Orbit’s Launcher One rocket from Spaceport
Cornwall in Newquay later this year.
The miniature sensors have been developed for the Defence Science
& Technology Laboratory (Dstl) by University College London,
the University of Bath, and Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd, and
drawing on expertise from the University of Surrey. They will
monitor changes within the ionosphere – a layer of the Earth’s
atmosphere about 80 to 1,000 km above the surface - where
variations in the environment can interfere with the operation of
GPS, communications and sensing technology.
Paving the way for similar technology to be used on future
satellite deployments, the miniature sensors could expand the
ability to collect measurements in space to enhance space weather
modelling capabilities. This knowledge would assist our Armed
Forces to maintain communication and intelligence capabilities on
the frontline.
Minister for Defence Procurement, , said:
Exploring and using space is crucial for developing cutting-edge
Defence capabilities that will ensure our Armed Forces can
operate at the highest level anywhere on the battlefield.
We are investing record amounts across our science and technology
portfolio to ensure the UK remains at the forefront of innovation
and sustains its strategic advantage over our adversaries.
Air Vice-Marshal Paul Godfrey, Commander of UK Space
Command, said:
Defence science and technological activity in space has never
been more important, whether it is in support of military
operations or helping to combat climate change, defence
innovation is at the forefront of this work.
After it enters orbit from Spaceport Cornwall, CIRCE will enhance
our understanding of space weather and help us to keep critical
satellites safe from the many hazards associated with operating
in space.
The CIRCE mission forms just one element of a broader Science
& Technology Portfolio announced today, aimed at driving
forward cutting-edge research and developing new capabilities
that currently do not exist anywhere around the world.
Building on previous projects including testing autonomous
systems and developing state-of-the-art capabilities for our F-35
fighter jets, the MOD will work with the best of British industry
and academia to develop new and exciting defence technology.
£2 billion will be invested between now and 2026 to develop
programmes which underpin the development of the
generation-after-next of military capabilities Key elements of
the future-facing portfolio include:
- Plans to develop a new weapon demonstrator capable of
operating up to hypersonic speeds to better equip our Armed
Forces against future threats.
- Expanded research into AI technologies, better understanding
how they can benefit service personnel on the front line.
- Investment to build defence capabilities in space, improving
intelligence, communication, and surveillance.
The £2 billion outlined is part of the £6.6 billion investment
into research and development following the £24 billion increase
in the defence budget announced in the 2021 Defence Command Paper.
Designed to meet the MOD’s capability needs, the Science &
Technology portfolio will ensure the UK Armed Forces have access
to the newest and most cutting-edge technology.
Dstl Chief Executive Dr Paul Hollinshead said:
Dstl’s world-class scientists are committed to delivering the
best scientific advice and technological solutions, giving the
armed forces operational advantage, the edge in decision making,
and saving lives.
The new portfolio will see defence enhancing its hypersonic
research programme alongside significant science and technology
investment in AI, cyber, electromagnet activities, novel sensors,
advanced materials, space and support to the nuclear deterrent.
