QinetiQ to lead maritime defence innovation
QinetiQ has been awarded a contract by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) to conduct maritime research and development for the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), the company announced on 29 January.
Under the Progeny Maritime Research Framework contract, QinetiQ will build and manage a community of innovators who will contribute ideas to maximise the impact of science and technology for UK maritime defence.
According to QinetiQ, the work is open to any academic institution, company or SME whose knowledge, products or services could have application in maritime defence, including organisations that do not work in the defence industry.
Dstl is making up to £25 million available to the community every year over four years to advance maritime science and technology.
QinetiQ, on behalf of Dstl, will manage procurement competition processes and ensure the framework provides value for money for Dstl and its community of suppliers. The oversight will ensure competition is conducted in a fair, open and efficient manner, encouraging collaborative working while protecting ownership of intellectual property.
More from Naval Warfare
-
DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology
At DSEI 2025, Red Cat outlines its expansion from UAVs into uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), positioning itself as a multi-domain defence provider spanning land, sea, and air.
-
Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract
The vessels are expected to deliver a major boost to Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities, with production set to start immediately.
-
Royal Canadian Navy will start operating class 2 UAVs in 2028
Acquired under Canada’s Department of National Defence ISTAR UAS project, the drones will be deployed from the Halifax-class frigates.
-
Newest US Coast Guard cutters go after Chinese vessels sailing in the Arctic
Cutters Earl Cunningham and Storis have been monitoring five Beijing research vessels navigating in the North Pole.
-
US Navy selects 25 companies for up to $1.9 billion nuclear submarine contract
The multi-award contract will support the scheduled repair and maintenance of nuclear-powered attack submarines at the US Navy’s primary public shipyards.