New British Army ‘lab’ looks to leverage commercial tech boom
The British Army is hoping to expedite the fielding of innovative technologies from the commercial sector with the establishment of a new innovation and experimentation laboratory.
In an interview with Shephard, the army’s head of capability Maj Gen Chris Tickell revealed that a new organisation known as the Army Rapid Innovation and Experimentation Laboratory – or ARIEL – had now been established.
A driving force behind the stand up of ARIEL will be to quicken the rate at which new technologies can be acquired, especially when compared with the traditional acquisition process that often takes years and struggles to keep
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Updated S-KAPS ready to neutralise drone threat]()
Eurosatory 2026: Updated S-KAPS ready to neutralise drone threat
Launched at EuroSatory 2026, the revamped Soft-Kill Advanced Protection System (S-KAPS) counter-UAS package has been developed by three French SMEs, Lacroix, Bertin Technologies and MC2 Technologies as a private venture.
-
![Patria TRACKX: Designed to conquer the most challenging environments]()
Patria TRACKX: Designed to conquer the most challenging environments
The tracked all-terrain armoured vehicle Patria TRACKX is a promise of performance. It is engineered to navigate the toughest terrain silently and swiftly, ensuring smooth operations in any conditions.
-
![Networked advantage: keeping unmanned systems in the loop with battlefield radio technology]()
Networked advantage: keeping unmanned systems in the loop with battlefield radio technology
Unmanned systems are powerful intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) assets and communication tools, but are often isolated from wider networks, limiting their potential. Industry is now tackling this challenge, empowering UxVs to act as integrated nodes across domains.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: What has become of the Main Ground Combat System?]()
Eurosatory 2026: What has become of the Main Ground Combat System?
The Main Ground Combat System has had a troubled life. With repeated delays and competition on the horizon, the programme may be approaching the end of the road.
