British inventors have been called upon to create new drones to help Ukraine in a new competition.
The Ministry of Defense (MoD) has launched a £ 25m campaign fund for the design and delivery of equipment that can be used in battle.
The requirements for the competition will be divided into four categories, including artillery, which will explore proposals to support the resupply of ammunition and the maintenance of Soviet 152 mm and 122 mm caliber weapon systems.
It will also cover coastal defense with innovations that support the deterrence of hostile naval forces.
Another category will be military logistics and resupply, which will include the maintenance and development of supply line infrastructure by sea and land.
Finally, judges want to see more unmanned aerial systems, from lethal effects to surveillance, electronic warfare and heavy cargo.
From the desktop to the front line
Defense Procurement Minister Jeremy Quin said: “Since the brutal invasion of Russia, UK defense suppliers with the active support of the Ministry of Defense and DE&S [Defence Equipment & Support] they have brought the team of desktop ideas to the forefront. This fund of more than £ 25 million is designed to capture ongoing work and support innovative ideas to meet Ukraine’s defense requirements. “
He added that the UK’s reaction to the war in Ukraine had shown “the ingenuity and innovation of the UK defense sector”.
“We want to ensure that creativity is harnessed and targeted to key requirements and that all companies with a capacity that can help are aware of the challenge,” he said.
In recent months, the Ministry of Defense has worked closely with industry to develop capabilities rapidly, such as heavy-duty unmanned aerial systems and anti-tank ammunition, as well as adapting existing weapons systems, such as integration of Brimstone for use as a grounded weapon.
The United Kingdom has pledged more than £ 2.8bn to support Ukraine through humanitarian aid and grants, as well as military equipment including 120 armored vehicles, air defense systems and more than 6,500 anti-tank missiles.
While the initial focus will be on equipment that can be obtained and supplied in the next four months, there will be room for long-term capacity developments.