Roke secures £251m contract to lead UK missile defence research
Roke has recently been awarded a major multi-year contract known as Science & Technology Oriented Research & development in Missile defence (STORM), partnering with the UK Missile Defence Centre (MDC) to deliver cutting-edge research for Missile Defence.
Copied to clipboard

Above: Roke’s Innovation Team
Image copyright Chemring
As the delivery lead for this framework contract, Roke will lead a collaborative and sovereign industry effort focused on securing the UK and its allies by countering current and future threats, including ballistic missiles and hypersonic missiles.
This £251m, 6-year contract, inclusive of a 3-year extension option, will see Roke develop its role as a trusted partner to deliver MDC’s Mission through the STORM framework.
Strategic, Scalable, and Sovereign
The contract will place Roke at the heart of the UK missile defence ecosystem at a pivotal moment, with Roke bringing together technical experts from across the UK’s defence industry. Over 95% of the value of this framework will be delivered by a UK workforce – which will be a critical enabler to developing, nurturing, and sustaining a UK sovereign capability and SQEP within missile defence research and development.
"We are delighted to be recognised as the right organisation to deliver STORM for the UK MDC,” said Paul MacGregor, Managing Director at Roke. “Missile defence is crucial to protecting the UK’s interests in an increasingly complex threat landscape. As adversaries develop and use more advanced capabilities, the ability to detect, identify, and defeat missile threats is essential to safeguarding the UK and its allies. At Roke, we are committed to delivering cutting-edge solutions that enhance resilience and ensure a decisive advantage in Defence.
A Proven Partner in Defence Science & Technology
“We are excited about working with Roke, whose expertise and innovative approach make them a valued partner in advancing the UK’s missile defence capabilities.” said Dr Anthony Wraight, Director of the UK Missile Defence Centre. “Their commitment to collaboration, technical excellence, and delivery of impactful solutions will be key to enhancing the nation’s defence against ballistic and hypersonic missiles and staying ahead of emerging threats through the research delivered by STORM.”
Roke’s appointment builds on a proven track record of supporting the UK MDC on the HYPERION project, demonstrating the strength of its expertise, collaborative approach, and ability to deliver. Roke’s ability to manage complex supply chains, drive innovation, and to act as a true partner to its customers proved key to securing this contract.
“Our role in leading the STORM framework builds upon the framework management capabilities demonstrated in our role as lead for SERAPIS Lot 1, and will leverage the decades of heritage we have in helping customers solve complex problems, particularly in sensing and decision making.” said Chris Squier, Defence Business Unit Director at Roke. “STORM is yet another case of a customer valuing the way we work; the skills we can bring to bear against their problems; and trusting us to operate as their long-term partner to deliver.”
Roke’s work under STORM will not only inform critical UK defence policies and decision making across Government, but will also play a key role in developing next-generation missile defence solutions.
Copied to clipboard
Sign up for our newsletter and get our latest content in your inbox.
Similar Reads
1
2
3
Sign up for our newsletter. Select all sectors relevant to you.
Related
Lockheed Martin Ventures opens London office with $100m UK and Europe fund


Lockheed Martin Ventures opens London office with $100m UK and Europe fund
Lockheed Martin Ventures has chosen London for its first office outside the United States, with at least $100 million earmarked for UK and European defence technology start-ups.
Edinburgh Airport partners with Airportr for home and hotel baggage collection


Edinburgh Airport partners with Airportr for home and hotel baggage collection
Edinburgh Airport has introduced baggage collection through Airportr, allowing easyJet passengers to check in bags before arriving at the terminal.
Intelligent Energy debuts heavy-lift hydrogen UAV powertrain


Intelligent Energy debuts heavy-lift hydrogen UAV powertrain
Intelligent Energy has introduced a 120kW hydrogen fuel cell powertrain for heavy-lift fixed-wing UAVs capable of carrying payloads of up to 750kg.
RAF awards Boeing £127m E-7 sustainment contract as first aircraft nears service


RAF awards Boeing £127m E-7 sustainment contract as first aircraft nears service
The £127.5 million sustainment award will support around 180 jobs in Scotland as the first RAF Wedgetail completes final testing and a second aircraft begins flying.
RAF confirms GCAP will require sovereign boom refuelling capability


RAF confirms GCAP will require sovereign boom refuelling capability
Britain’s sixth-generation fighter will use boom rather than probe-and-drogue refuelling, forcing the RAF to address a longstanding gap in its Voyager tanker fleet.
Syensqo joins Team Cheyenne for US Army MV-75 programme


Syensqo joins Team Cheyenne for US Army MV-75 programme
Syensqo has joined Bell’s MV-75 Cheyenne supplier team, providing lightweight composite materials, adhesives and speciality polymers for the US Army’s next-generation tiltrotor.
ESA selects Keysight to develop 5G NTN anomaly detection


ESA selects Keysight to develop 5G NTN anomaly detection
Keysight will serve as the prime contractor, collaborating with Sateliot to support key technical development and satellite mission integration.
Lockheed Martin Ventures opens London office with $100m UK and Europe fund


Lockheed Martin Ventures opens London office with $100m UK and Europe fund
Lockheed Martin Ventures has chosen London for its first office outside the United States, with at least $100 million earmarked for UK and European defence technology start-ups.
ADS surpasses 2,000 member organisations for the first time


ADS surpasses 2,000 member organisations for the first time
ADS has passed 2,000 member organisations for the first time, following a record year of membership growth across aerospace, defence, security and space.
UK defence SMEs unite under new Spearhead delivery collective


UK defence SMEs unite under new Spearhead delivery collective
Twenty-eight UK-owned defence and security SMEs have formed Spearhead, offering government and prime contractors access to specialist capability through one contract and one accountable delivery team.
Lockheed Martin Ventures opens London office with $100m UK and Europe fund


Lockheed Martin Ventures opens London office with $100m UK and Europe fund
Lockheed Martin Ventures has chosen London for its first office outside the United States, with at least $100 million earmarked for UK and European defence technology start-ups.
ADS surpasses 2,000 member organisations for the first time


ADS surpasses 2,000 member organisations for the first time
ADS has passed 2,000 member organisations for the first time, following a record year of membership growth across aerospace, defence, security and space.