Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • Raytheon UK to fund new research projects with SMEs

Defence

Raytheon UK to fund new research projects with SMEs

Raytheon UK will fund two new projects – from Nottingham Scientific Limited and Visual Management Systems – as part of its Small-to medium-sized enterprise Partnerships Advancing Raytheon knowledge (SpaRk) initiative.

Above: Raytheon UK, Harlow, Essex.
Courtesy Raytheon UK

Now in its sixth year, SpaRk supports innovative technology ideas from SMEs and academic institutions.

Alex Rose-Parfitt, Engineering Director, Raytheon UK, said: “SMEs and academia are vital to the country’s economy and key to extending Raytheon UK’s research and development supply chain.

Advertisement
Leonardo animated rectangle

“Through SpaRk, we offer financial assistance and mentoring, as well as access to our customers and markets, engineering expertise and networking opportunities.”

Nottingham Scientific Limited will receive funding to produce a feasibility study on a satellite-based system design to monitor Radio Frequency signals in the Global Navigation Satellite System, or GNSS. This could be used to protect critical infrastructure, assets and vital operations from cyber-attacks like spoofing and jamming.

Visual Management Systems, a leading provider of face recognition technology, will explore the feasibility of using machine learning technology on unmanned airborne platforms to monitor, detect and recognise vehicles and other assets in remote areas. It also seeks to improve the quality of currently available information and the cost of data transmission.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Since 2015 Raytheon UK has invested more than £1.5 million in SMEs and universities to further research and development projects across the country.

With facilities in Broughton, Waddington, Glenrothes, Harlow, Gloucester and Manchester, Raytheon UK is invested in the British workforce and the development of UK technology. Across the country the company employs 1,700 people and supports 10,000 jobs. As a prime contractor and major supplier to the Ministry of Defence (MoD), Raytheon continues to invest in research & development and is supporting innovation and technological advances across the UK.

 

Advertisement
Babcock LB Babcock LB
Autonomous submarine Excalibur delivered to Royal Navy

Defence

Autonomous submarine Excalibur delivered to Royal Navy

12 December 2025

Excalibur, a 12-metre experimental uncrewed underwater vessel, has now been officially handed over to the Royal Navy.

UK launches new Military Intelligence Services

Defence

UK launches new Military Intelligence Services

12 December 2025

Today, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) launched the new Military Intelligence Services (MIS), designed to ensure UK military intelligence is more efficient and better able to anticipate future threats.

BAE Systems awarded US Navy contract for APKWS laser-guidance kits

Defence

BAE Systems awarded US Navy contract for APKWS laser-guidance kits

11 December 2025

The US Navy has awarded BAE Systems a new five-year, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract for APKWS laser-guidance kits to equip US armed forces with tens of thousands of additional low-cost precision munitions.

JFD Global to enhance Polish Navy

Defence Security

JFD Global to enhance Polish Navy's submarine rescue capability

11 December 2025

James Fisher (JFD Global) has secured a contract with PGZ Stocznia Wojenna, which will see JFD Global integrate a combined, hyperbaric and saturation diving system into the Polish Navy’s new salvage and rescue vessel, Ratownik.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Avon Protection receives European order for FM50 respirators

Defence Security

Avon Protection receives European order for FM50 respirators

11 December 2025

Avon Protection has received a new European order for FM50 respirators and FM61EU filters via the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) contract vehicle.

BAE Systems to modernise USS Forrest Sherman

Defence

BAE Systems to modernise USS Forrest Sherman

10 December 2025

BAE Systems has received a $123 million contract from the US Navy to modernise the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98).

Advertisement
Leonardo animated rectangle