General Atomics

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.


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.

Related

IndiGo suspends Manchester flights as airspace restrictions push up costs
MAG Manchester Mumbai IndiGo
IndiGo suspends Manchester flights as airspace restrictions push up costs
IndiGo has temporarily suspended flights from Manchester to Delhi and Mumbai, blaming longer flight times, airspace restrictions and rising operating costs.
Aerospace

2 Sep 2026

RAF Air Command becomes Air and Space Command as Britain elevates military space operations
An RAF-operated Typhoon FGR4 is displayed alongside two Storm Shadow ALCMs during an event at RAF Marham, Norfolk, on 1 September 2019. Image: MOD Crown Copyright/SAC Simon Armstrong
RAF Air Command becomes Air and Space Command as Britain elevates military space operations
With the growing importance of military space operations, the new name reflects the widening remit of the RAF’s primary operational division.
Aerospace Defence

1 Sep 2026

TEKEVER acquires Edinburgh-based Flowcopter
FIA 2026
TEKEVER acquires Edinburgh-based Flowcopter
The move is designed to expand TEKEVER's autonomous capabilities with advanced propulsion technology.
Serco awarded RAF Fylingdales early warning radar contract
RAF Fylingdales
Serco awarded RAF Fylingdales early warning radar contract
As part of the contract, a new software analytical tool developed by Serco - with the RAF and UK Space Command - is set to enhance RAF Fylingdales' detection and tracking system.
ALL.​SPACE to support adaptive space manufacturing for US Department of War DIU
ALL.SPACE sat comms
ALL.​SPACE to support adaptive space manufacturing for US Department of War DIU
In an effort to improve space manufacturing readiness and deployment of resilient solutions, the US Department of War Innovation Unit (DIU) has contracted ALL.​SPACE to assist in its rapid delivery of mission-critical multi-orbit satellite comms capabilities.
UK can’t assume wartime ship requisition will guarantee access to sealift, new report warns
A Royal Navy-operated Merlin HM4 hovers over the deck of the sanctioned Cameroonian-flagged crude oil tanker and suspected Russian 'shadow fleet' vessel, Smyrtos, during a maritime interdiction mission to seize the vessel on 14 June 2026. Image: MOD Crown Copyright/Royal Navy
UK can’t assume wartime ship requisition will guarantee access to sealift, new report warns
The UK may be able to requisition commercial vessels in a crisis, but modern shipping networks mean access to crews, specialist skills and support services is far from guaranteed.
Defence

2 Sep 2026

Serco awarded RAF Fylingdales early warning radar contract
RAF Fylingdales
Serco awarded RAF Fylingdales early warning radar contract
As part of the contract, a new software analytical tool developed by Serco - with the RAF and UK Space Command - is set to enhance RAF Fylingdales' detection and tracking system.
ALL.​SPACE to support adaptive space manufacturing for US Department of War DIU
ALL.SPACE sat comms
ALL.​SPACE to support adaptive space manufacturing for US Department of War DIU
In an effort to improve space manufacturing readiness and deployment of resilient solutions, the US Department of War Innovation Unit (DIU) has contracted ALL.​SPACE to assist in its rapid delivery of mission-critical multi-orbit satellite comms capabilities.
Teledyne passes 1,000 sensors in orbit with NASA Roman Telescope launch
The infrared focal plane with H4RG-10 detector
Teledyne passes 1,000 sensors in orbit with NASA Roman Telescope launch
The launch of NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope marks a major milestone for Teledyne, whose detector technology will enable the mission to investigate dark energy, hunt for exoplanets and survey billions of galaxies.
Member News Space

1 Sep 2026

Serco awarded RAF Fylingdales early warning radar contract
RAF Fylingdales
Serco awarded RAF Fylingdales early warning radar contract
As part of the contract, a new software analytical tool developed by Serco - with the RAF and UK Space Command - is set to enhance RAF Fylingdales' detection and tracking system.
Royal Navy support ship programme reaches key milestone at Appledore
Three Fleet Solid Support vessels being delivered for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary through a partnership between Navantia UK, BMT and Harland & Wolff.
Royal Navy support ship programme reaches key milestone at Appledore
Construction of the first Fleet Solid Support ship reaches a key milestone as work progresses on the Royal Navy's future replenishment fleet.
Defence Security

1 Sep 2026

TEKEVER acquires Edinburgh-based Flowcopter
FIA 2026
TEKEVER acquires Edinburgh-based Flowcopter
The move is designed to expand TEKEVER's autonomous capabilities with advanced propulsion technology.