Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Defence

NATO DIANA expands network

NATO Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) is significantly expanding its transatlantic network of accelerator sites and test centres - doubling in size to more than 200 affiliated sites - which includes five additional UK test centres.

Courtesy NATO

NATO DIANA has reached another milestone by announcing the expansion of its transatlantic network of test centres and accelerator sites. DIANA’s footprint will now comprise 23 accelerator sites (up from 11) and 182 test centres (up from 90) in 28 Allied nations.

The new accelerator sites and test centres will boost both the capacity to support innovators and the technical expertise available to them across a wide range of disciplines. These will provide companies within the programme expert advice and access to test and trial their technologies in specialised environments.

Advertisement
ODU RT

DIANA-affiliated accelerators deliver specialised business acceleration programmes to cohorts of start-up companies, whilst the network of test centres provides these companies with access to cutting-edge testing facilities.

The five UK sites chosen for the DIANA test centre network are:

National Physical Laboratory (NPL)
NPL is a world-leading centre of excellence that provides cutting-edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK.

Digital Catapult
Digital Catapult accelerates advanced digital technology adoption to benefit the UK – breaking down barriers, de-risking innovation, opening up markets and responsibly shaping the products, services and experiences of the future.

Advertisement
ODU RT

The Satellite Applications Catapult
The Satellite Applications Catapult is at the heart of the satellite services revolution, driving take-up of space technology and applications to shape, and sustain, the world of tomorrow.

High Value Manufacturing Catapult (HVMC)
Established and supported by Innovate UK, the High Value Manufacturing Catapult is a network of seven research and innovation centres that work with government, industry and academia to commercialise cutting-edge research.

T3E
Test, Trials Training and Evaluation describes the services delivered under the Long Term Partnering Agreement (LTPA) contract between QinetiQ and the UK Ministry of Defence. This comprises 15 MOD land, sea and air ranges and specialist test facilities, and the provision of specialist technical expertise and support services.

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
BAE Systems awarded US Army M109A7 Paladin contract

Defence

BAE Systems awarded US Army M109A7 Paladin contract

17 June 2026

BAE Systems has received a contract award valued at $535 million to produce additional M109A7 Paladin Self-Propelled Howitzers and M992A3 Ammunition Carriers for the US Army.

QinetiQ joins UK Quantum Growth Alliance

Defence

QinetiQ joins UK Quantum Growth Alliance

17 June 2026

QinetiQ has been invited to join the UK Quantum Growth Alliance, a new government–industry partnership bringing together senior representatives from leading British companies to accelerate the adoption of quantum technologies across the UK.

IDV showcases latest UGV innovations at Eurosatory 2026

Defence Events

IDV showcases latest UGV innovations at Eurosatory 2026

17 June 2026

At Eurosatory 2026 in Paris this week, IDV has been showcasing its latest innovations in uncrewed ground vehicle platforms, alongside a simulation of uncrewed ground vehicles (UGVs) integration into battlefield command and control centres.

Wall Colmonoy launches advanced VPIC facility in South Wales

Aerospace Defence

Wall Colmonoy launches advanced VPIC facility in South Wales

17 June 2026

Wall Colmonoy Ltd has officially launched a £2.5 million Vacuum Precision Investment Casting (VPIC) facility in South Wales, contributing to the advancement of the UK’s aerospace and defence manufacturing capability.

Advertisement
ODU RT
BAE Systems invests in European start-ups

Defence

BAE Systems invests in European start-ups

17 June 2026

The UK’s largest defence company, BAE Systems, will be committing €50 million to venture capital (VC) funds focused on backing European defence-tech start-ups.

Marshall Aerospace wins RAF BBMF Dakota support contract

Aerospace Defence Events

Marshall Aerospace wins RAF BBMF Dakota support contract

17 June 2026

Marshall Aerospace has won a multiyear engineering contract for ZA947, the Douglas C-47 Dakota Mk III training and display aircraft owned by the RAF’s Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF).

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
General Atomics LB