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.
UK air travel could grow 68% by 2050, but the capacity crunch will not be evenly spread. New DfT data reveals which airports will fill terminals and runways.
A £71 million National Wealth Fund investment will help restart the Hemerdon mine in Devon, securing a UK source of tungsten for defence, aerospace and energy applications.
A £71 million National Wealth Fund investment will help restart the Hemerdon mine in Devon, securing a UK source of tungsten for defence, aerospace and energy applications.
Despite the deadline being years away, companies in the aerospace and defence sectors are being encouraged to start their planning now to ensure compliance later
Backed by an investment of £6 million, seven early-career physicists have been awarded Ernest Rutherford Fellowship’s by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), supporting research, from the search for dark matter to the physics of black holes.
Austrian spacecraft propulsion manufacturer ENPULSION has agreed to acquire British specialist Lift Me Off, bringing together electric and chemical propulsion capabilities in a deal that will require UK Government approval.
A £202 million guarantee from the UK National Wealth Fund has attracted an investment of £300 million in Lanarkshire's AI Growth Zone, which with Dell Technologies establishing a base there too, is set to support over 3,400 skilled jobs.
Despite the deadline being years away, companies in the aerospace and defence sectors are being encouraged to start their planning now to ensure compliance later
As the New Zealand Government looks to add much needed capacity to its prison system, it has selected Serco to provide facilities management and maintenance services to support a safe and resilient prison infrastructure at Christchurch Men’s Prison.
