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
Manufacturers warn Government over UK steel import tariffs


Manufacturers warn Government over UK steel import tariffs
As a petition highlighting the negative impact of Government-imposed steel import tariffs on UK manufacturing surpasses 10,000 signatures, industry calls for an urgent review.
UK airport reliability ranked: Heathrow leads globally while Manchester is near the bottom


UK airport reliability ranked: Heathrow leads globally while Manchester is near the bottom
A new study ranks Heathrow as the UK's most reliable airport, with Edinburgh ahead of Gatwick and Stansted, and Manchester near the bottom globally.
Gatwick Northern Runway expansion clears Court of Appeal challenge


Gatwick Northern Runway expansion clears Court of Appeal challenge
London Gatwick’s plans to bring its existing Northern Runway into routine…
Manufacturers warn Government over UK steel import tariffs


Manufacturers warn Government over UK steel import tariffs
As a petition highlighting the negative impact of Government-imposed steel import tariffs on UK manufacturing surpasses 10,000 signatures, industry calls for an urgent review.
BAE Systems to maintain Royal Navy torpedoes


BAE Systems to maintain Royal Navy torpedoes
A new £135 million contract to has been awarded to BAE Systems to maintain and repair Royal Navy torpedo weapons.
Tempest demonstrator in final assembly ahead of planned first flight in 2027


Tempest demonstrator in final assembly ahead of planned first flight in 2027
BAE Systems' new Tempest prototype, otherwise known as the Combat Air Flying Demonstrator (CAFD), has passed the halfway point in final assembly, with its rollout and first flight remaining on track for 2027.
SSTL racks up smart storage solution


SSTL racks up smart storage solution
A smart racking solution from Altus has helped Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) integrate its materials management processes.
Seraphim Space deploys first capital from £137m C share raise


Seraphim Space deploys first capital from £137m C share raise
The investments have been made in businesses involved in key areas that are driving the next phase of growth within the space sector.
AccelerComm underpins Eclipse Space’s 5G physical layer for satellite constellations


AccelerComm underpins Eclipse Space’s 5G physical layer for satellite constellations
Flight-proven 5G non-terrestrial network (NTN) tech from Southampton based AccelerComm, is supporting a scalable direct-to-device and broadband architecture from Starlink veterans behind Eclipse Space.
Manufacturers warn Government over UK steel import tariffs


Manufacturers warn Government over UK steel import tariffs
As a petition highlighting the negative impact of Government-imposed steel import tariffs on UK manufacturing surpasses 10,000 signatures, industry calls for an urgent review.
UK AISI test exposes AI agent’s attempt to plant malicious code


UK AISI test exposes AI agent’s attempt to plant malicious code
The UK’s AI Security Institute uncovered unexpectedly autonomous and deceptive behaviour during a cyber evaluation, including an attempted attack on open-source software.
CAA explores future for BVLOS drone ops


CAA explores future for BVLOS drone ops
A new report from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) outlines a vision for enabling routine Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) commercial drone operations alongside existing UK airspace users.



