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
Gulfstream banner
Babcock reviews future vehicle platforms with UK SMEs at Defence Battlelab

Defence Events

Babcock reviews future vehicle platforms with UK SMEs at Defence Battlelab

24 April 2026

Babcock International Group has brought together key suppliers for an engagement day at the Defence Battlelab in Dorset, to look at upcoming requirements for a new generation of modern off road vehicles.

UKEF partners with Finance for Forces to support veteran-led exporters

Aerospace Defence Security Space

UKEF partners with Finance for Forces to support veteran-led exporters

24 April 2026

UK Export Finance (UKEF) – the government’s export credit agency – has announced a new partnership with Finance for Forces to help more veteran-led businesses access the finance they need to grow internationally.

Royal Navy evaluates next-gen maritime capabilities

Defence

Royal Navy evaluates next-gen maritime capabilities

24 April 2026

Earlier this year, demonstrations to the Royal Navy were successfully conducted at SubSea Craft’s UK headquarters as part of Atlantic Bastion, a programme to make Britain more secure from threats in the North Atlantic.

Government scouts private investment to advance defence innovation

Defence

Government scouts private investment to advance defence innovation

24 April 2026

This week the UK Defence Secretary John Healey and Chancellor Rachel Reeves met with leaders from UK banking, venture capital and strategic finance, to explore how private investment can be leveraged to drive innovation and accelerate defence readiness.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Thales expands Malaysian Armed Forces

Defence Events

Thales expands Malaysian Armed Forces' tactical comms

24 April 2026

In partnership with Advanced Defence Systems (ADS), Thales Malaysia is establishing a local assembly line for new-generation SYNAPS (V/UHF) Software-Defined Radios in Segamat, Johor, strengthening Thales’ local manufacturing capabilities.

UK and Indonesia launch flagship Maritime Partnership Programme

Defence

UK and Indonesia launch flagship Maritime Partnership Programme

24 April 2026

Babcock International Group, together with the British Embassy Jakarta, British Chamber of Commerce and Indonesian partners, have formally launched the Maritime Partnership Programme (MPP), a flagship agreement to deepen UK–Indonesia cooperation across maritime defence, fisheries, industrial capability and skills development.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
Gulfstream banner