Understanding how seen our platforms are is crucial for mission success, securing essential capability and sustaining UK jobs.
Working with business
The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory’s (Dstl) radar specialists have labored with Thales and DE&S to safe the lengthy‑time period future of the UK’s main radar signature measurement and evaluation facility.
This contains the UK’s solely sovereign capability for measuring massive land autos—a significant asset for sustaining operational benefit. An 8‑yr dedication is now in place to maintain this capability. Once totally staffed, Thales will run the facility with a devoted staff of about 9 specialists.
Enhancing warfighting readiness
This work was carried out as half of the Future Kinetic & Energetic Weapon Systems (FKEWS) programme. It has ensured that the MOD and its suppliers can proceed to entry correct, value-efficient radar signature measurements for a variety of targets.
Engine for progress
This work additionally protects the specialist expertise and specialists wanted to maintain this capability going.
Significant measurement work has been accomplished, with extra underway to help the following:
- main procurements
- know-how analysis
- frontline operations
Notably, radar signature measurement and evaluation capability has measured the new Challenger 3 major battle tank and a couple of variants of the Boxer Mechanised Infantry Vehicle.
Andy Caldwell, Head Research Development Test & Evaluation, NAD Group mentioned:
Dstl continues to be the technical driving drive that allows supply of this vital service, and this is a superb instance of Dstl, DE&S and Industry working in partnership. This means that we’ll proceed to have correct and well timed radar signatures for MOD’s navy methods for the subsequent decade.
Preparing for the future
This funding ensures the UK retains a world-class radar signature capability—crucial for safeguarding our platforms, supporting operations, and sustaining technological benefit effectively into the future.