Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • ETL brings advanced Stand-off Breaching Grenade to market

Defence

ETL brings advanced Stand-off Breaching Grenade to market

A new breaching grenade technology developed by the UK Government has been licensed to Energetics Technology Limited (ETL) in a deal that will improve Explosive Method of Entry (EMOE) operations and improve safety for operatives.

Image courtesy ETL / Photo credit: US Marine Corps / Cpl. Justin Updegraff: The appearance of US Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

UK-based ETL, a specialist in energetic materials and blast products, has taken a licence for a 40mm stand-off breaching grenade technology developed by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl). The deal was brokered by Ploughshare Innovations in its role as the MoD’s Technology Transfer Office.

Advertisement
Leonardo

The Stand-off Breaching Grenade is designed for use in scenarios where there is a need to breach locked doors to gain access to a building or room. It is particularly advantageous for operations in built-up urban environments and use within buildings and other confined spaces where current door breaching rounds cannot be deployed safely.

The design, developed over several years of research by Dstl, can deform a variety of door materials – including multi-lock steel doors – to enable access by the breaching team. The improved directional control of the explosive blast lowers the risk to the breaching team and reduces their stand-off distance. Fragmentation effects behind the door are also minimised which reduces collateral damage.

Because the blast can be highly targeted, a reduced amount of explosive can be used. This reduction in Net Explosive Quantity (NEQ) makes the grenades less hazardous to use, handle, store and transport than conventional alternatives.

Defence Minister Jeremy Quin said: “The development of this technology is a great example of how Defence collaborates with industry and academia to promote innovation. The UK’s commitment to Defence Innovation is steadfast, signified by the MOD’s £6.6 billion commitment to Research and Development over the next four years.

“Supported by our investment into research, science and technology, this cutting-edge design delivers vital improvements for users across a range of environments.”

Nick Joad, Director MoD Defence Science & Technology (DST), said: “The Defence S&T Strategy and the Defence and Security Industrial Strategy both place significant emphasis on the positive partnerships between industry, academia and government.

These linkages enable us to make the most of the increased spending in research and development through the latest Spending Review. They also contribute to wider Government objectives by encouraging local investment and employment, increasing local prosperity across all the regions and nations of the UK.

The licensing of this technology is a great example of research driving into capability, which will directly benefit our armed forces, as well as the contribution it provides to the local community in Derbyshire.”

Advertisement
Leonardo

Dr Peter Jemmett, Managing Director at ETL, part of the international Etienne Lacroix Group, said: “This advanced technology is a game-changer for tactical operations, giving breaching teams improved logistical capabilities and increasing operational effectiveness while reducing risk.

“We are grateful to Ploughshare Innovations for their assistance that has allowed us access to this Dstl innovation. It will strengthen our portfolio further and will enable us to deliver capability to a wide range of defence and homeland security users.”

Hetti Barkworth-Nanton, CEO of Ploughshare Innovations, said: “We are delighted to be playing our part in bringing this technology to market. It is a prime example of our commitment to working with innovative companies to bring the results of Government research to market for the benefit of UK businesses and to deliver capability to our defence and security services.”

The technology licensed to ETL is one of more than 125 licensed to companies since Ploughshare Innovations was founded to enable businesses to gain access to defence and security technologies developed by leading government laboratories.
 

 

 

ACUA Ocean to build second Pioneer-class USV

Defence Security

ACUA Ocean to build second Pioneer-class USV

18 September 2025

ACUA Ocean has announced an agreement with Aluminium Marine Consultants on the Isle of Wight for the build of the second in the Pioneer-class of uncrewed surface vessels, with an intention for a third vessel in the class to follow in 2026.

Intelliconnect strengthens management team

Aerospace Defence

Intelliconnect strengthens management team

17 September 2025

RF and Cryogenic interconnect solutions specialist Intelliconnect (Europe), has strengthened its senior leadership team with the appointment of Yiannis Metallinos as Managing Director and Gary Langridge as Engineering Manager.

Teledyne FLIR Defense and AimLock collaborate on autonomous kinetic capabilities

Defence

Teledyne FLIR Defense and AimLock collaborate on autonomous kinetic capabilities

17 September 2025

AimLock is collaborating with Teledyne FLIR Defense to provide autonomous kinetic capabilities for the company’s SUGV 325 and Kobra 725 ground robots.

Captec expands surface treatment facility to meet BR 3939 standards

Defence

Captec expands surface treatment facility to meet BR 3939 standards

17 September 2025

Captec has made a major investment in its specialist surface treatment infrastructure, positioning it among a select few in the UK with the capability to meet the most stringent levels of the latest 2025 BR 3939 Warpaint standards.

Advertisement
Leonardo
Getac launches UX10 and UX10-IP rugged tablets

Aerospace Defence Security

Getac launches UX10 and UX10-IP rugged tablets

17 September 2025

Getac has announced the launch of its next generation UX10 and UX10-IP fully rugged tablets.

BAE Systems and PGZ partner to boost munitions production

Defence

BAE Systems and PGZ partner to boost munitions production

16 September 2025

Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ) and BAE Systems have entered into a strategic partnership to establish a new 155mm artillery ammunition manufacturing facility in Poland, aimed at increasing the nation’s production of battlefield ammunition.

Advertisement
Siemens rectangle