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.
Outstanding contributions to aerospace and space have been recognised at this year's annual Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) awards, which have been honouring advances across the global aerospace industry since 1909, when Wilbur and Orville Wright received the Society’s first Gold Medal.
A CAA-backed trial at Cranfield Airport used live air traffic data and a virtual drone to test detect-and-avoid technology and support future UK beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations.
ALL.SPACE has secured a US Navy follow-on order for 59 Hydra MAX 2 Terminals, enhancing the service's resilient access to high-capacity Ka-band LEO constellations and maintaining interoperability with GEO, MEO and HEO networks.
Through strategic investment in modern electronic warfare facilities, BAE Systems has accelerated its production schedule to deliver advanced sensors for Lockheed Martin's Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM).
The Royal Navy and its JEF allies will deepen maritime integration, strengthen deterrence and improve collective responses to new and emerging threats in northern Europe as part of a historic new initiative.
It was announced today that Serco's acquisition of QinetiQ’s US business has been agreed, substantially expanding the defence capabilities of Serco, whilst strengthening QinetiQ's balance sheet and enabling it to concentrate its resources on the UK, European, NATO and key allied defence and security markets.
The UK's second ISTARI military satellite, Titania, reaches orbit as trials launch for a three-site sensor network to monitor potential threats to spacecraft.
Following delivery of its education and outreach initiatives across the UK to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and space explorers, the National Space Centre's Discovery Team has gained national recognition by winning a prestigious Sir Arthur Clarke Award.
The Royal Navy and its JEF allies will deepen maritime integration, strengthen deterrence and improve collective responses to new and emerging threats in northern Europe as part of a historic new initiative.
The NCSC’s new CyAS scheme aims to strengthen the resilience of the UK’s critical infrastructure through rigorous, realistic cyber adversary simulation testing.
Speaking in a special Remembrance Day podcast, Lord Coaker paid tribute to those who serve while highlighting the need to strengthen UK preparedness against growing security threats.
