QinetiQ aids Dstl response to disruptive technologies
QinetiQ is to lead the Weapons Sector Research Framework (WSRF) contract for the UK Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), working with MBDA and Thales under a five-year contract worth up to £300 million.
Under the deal, announced on 28 July, QinetiQ and its partners will offer Dstl easy access to more than 70 industry and academic suppliers, in order to develop and exploit technology for the benefit of the UK armed forces.
Gary Aitkenhead, Chief Executive of Dstl, said: ‘The WSRF brings together our key partners, SMEs and academia to develop the solutions defence and security need in a fast evolving world.’
One key objective of WSRF, which replaces the Weapons Science and Technology Centre contract, is to cover the overall scope of the Future Kinetic Effects and Weapons (FKEW) programme. QinetiQ will assist Dstl by accelerating the process of responding to the use of emerging and disruptive technology such as directed-energy weapons.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
More from Defence Notes
-
![Eurosatory 2026: New public security needs drive personal protection equipment modernisation]()
Eurosatory 2026: New public security needs drive personal protection equipment modernisation
European law enforcement and public security agencies are entering a new cycle of investment in personal protection equipment (PPE), driven by evolving threat profiles, officer welfare requirements and advances in materials technology.
-
![The speed of relevance: how companies can navigate the new era of European defence procurement]()
The speed of relevance: how companies can navigate the new era of European defence procurement
European militaries face a rapidly evolving security landscape and defence production must accelerate to meet surging demand for platforms and equipment. Industry needs to adapt to ensure it gets its products into the hands of the end user, Evelyn Rafferty, Senior Director Aerospace and Defence - Europe at Plexus told Shephard’s Gerrard Cowan.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Milrem Robotics puts forward multi-layered defence concept for NATO’s eastern flank]()
Eurosatory 2026: Milrem Robotics puts forward multi-layered defence concept for NATO’s eastern flank
Autonomous systems developer Milrem has evolved a model for an interoperable robotised approach to the Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative (EFDI), showing how uncrewed systems could provide a multi-layered defence architecture in the air and on land along NATO’s eastern borders.
