QinetiQ will lead the Weapons Sector Research Framework (WSRF) for a further two years after being awarded a contract extension by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl).
Under the WSRF framework extension, valued at £160 million, QinetiQ will work with industry partners MBDA and Thales, to provide Dstl and the Ministry of Defence (MOD) with access to weapons science and technology research from more than 150 industry suppliers and academic institutions.
The enterprise approach increases the pace at which next generation weapons are being delivered to the front line by providing access to a wide range of suppliers, state-of-the-art technologies and world leading experts, who research, develop and exploit emerging and disruptive defence technologies.
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Download free sample pages More informationRecent notable WSRF-led projects include the British Army determining the impact of a vehicle-mounted laser weapon on drones, testing a vehicle mounted Radio Frequency Directed Energy Weapon’s ability to overcome a swarm of drones, and the prototyping of a potential future propulsion system for hypersonic weapons.
Steve Wadey, Group Chief Executive Officer, QinetiQ, said:
“The Weapons Sector Research Framework plays a critical role in solving complex defence problems, bringing together the best expertise in the industry to deliver world-leading research and development in advanced weapons systems.
“Through the WSRF, we have credibly demonstrated our enterprise approach, working effectively with government, industry, SMEs and academia, to accelerate the development of critical weapons technology.”
Paul Hollinshead, Chief Executive, Dstl, said:
“This £160 million contract extension reinforces the vital role of the Weapons Sector Research Framework in delivering operational advantage to our Armed Forces.
“By harnessing the collective expertise of industry, academia and SMEs, we're accelerating the development of next generation weapons technology and driving economic growth through innovation.”
Since the initial contract was signed in 2020, an additional 60 suppliers have been added to the framework - including experts in hypersonics, laser and RF Directed Energy Weapons - 70% of which are now small to medium enterprises (SMEs) and academia.
