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
General Atomics LB
Babcock and HII expand collaboration on Virginia-class submarine construction

Defence

Babcock and HII expand collaboration on Virginia-class submarine construction

9 December 2025

Today, HII and Babcock have signed a contract that expands their strategic partnership for further support of Virginia-class submarine construction, to increase throughput at HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division.

AtkinsRéalis secures partnership with Rolls-Royce Submarines

Defence

AtkinsRéalis secures partnership with Rolls-Royce Submarines

9 December 2025

AtkinsRéalis has been appointed to deliver nuclear propulsion and engineering capabilities to Rolls-Royce Submarines, supporting the UK’s growing submarines programme.

BAE Systems to equip US Navy submarines with MMM systems

Defence

BAE Systems to equip US Navy submarines with MMM systems

9 December 2025

BAE Systems has been awarded a $36 million production contract from Lockheed Martin to deliver Multifunction Modular Mast (MMM) systems for integration onto US Navy submarines.

Boeing expands UK footprint following Spirit AeroSystems acquisition

Defence

Boeing expands UK footprint following Spirit AeroSystems acquisition

8 December 2025

Boeing today announced the company has completed its acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems, significantly expanding its UK footprint in Northern Ireland.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Babcock unveils ARMOR

Defence

Babcock unveils ARMOR

8 December 2025

Babcock has unveiled ARMOR Force (Autonomous and Remote, Maritime Operational Response – Force), an architecture of disaggregated systems and platforms capable of independent operations and connected by advanced digital capabilities.

RAF Waddington hosts hydrogen energy tech demo

Defence Events

RAF Waddington hosts hydrogen energy tech demo

8 December 2025

GeoPura has delivered a landmark demonstration of its resilient, zero-emission hydrogen energy technology at RAF Waddington, showcasing the capability of two Hydrogen Power Units (HPU-Ms) to provide robust, off-grid electrical power suitable for deployed, expeditionary and main-base resilience applications.

Advertisement
Leonardo animated rectangle