Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • Royal Marines host first innovation day

Defence Events

Royal Marines host first innovation day

Royal Marines swapped daring for DARE as they invited technology and industry leaders into their Plymouth home to impress the DARE (Discovery, Assessment and Rapid Exploitation) team with the latest battlefield solutions.


Courtesy Royal Navy

The 3 Commando Brigade and 30 Commando IX Group hosted their first innovation day, asking the best and the brightest from civvy street to showcase some of their latest kit which might be useful on the field of battle.

Commandos from marines to majors also had the chance to pitch tech ideas to a Dragons Den-esque panel – with the promise of cash to turn successful bids into reality. A multitude of kit and equipment was on display from the leading technology firms covering communication systems and advanced sensors to cutting-edge vehicles and weaponry.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025

Above: Some of the vehicles on display.
Courtesy Royal Navy

Brigade Commander Brigadier Gwyn Jenkins and the Navy’s Chief Technology Officer Colonel Dan Cheeseman, who attended the event at Stonehouse barracks both underlined the importance of innovation in an unstable world – and that the Corps was determined to be at the spearhead of technological thinking.

“The Royal Marines have thrived for more than 350 years due to their inherent ability to adapt and overcome,” explained Capt George Eatwell of 30 Commando IX Group which specialises in battlefield intelligence.

Advertisement
ODU RT

“The complex threats of the 21st Century demand commandos continue their evolution, so the event showed how Royal Marines might fight in the future against an increasingly technologically-advanced adversary.”

The Dragon’s Den-style presentation saw three successful bids awarded up to £5,000 funding to develop their ideas, having impressed the DARE (Discovery, Assessment and Rapid Exploitation) team who are looking at the way today’s technology can help tomorrow’s Royal Navy.

They have already backed a man overboard rescue system using drones and lighting to improve safety for sailors working on flight decks. Among the Royal Marine ideas which received the green light, one which significantly improve beach reconnaissance, key to the marines’ amphibious operations.

Based on the success of the inaugural innovation day, the brigade intends it to become an annual event.
 

 

Advertisement
Cranfield University
BAE Systems launch new returners programme

Defence

BAE Systems launch new returners programme

30 June 2025

For the past seven years, BAE Systems and STEM Returners have been working together to help engineers across the UK return to work after a career break and today the partnership has announced a new programme at BAE Maritime and Land Defence Solutions in Portsmouth and the Radar Integration Test Facility in Cowes, which will include 10 positions and see the ...

SSRO reviews single source defence contracts

Defence

SSRO reviews single source defence contracts' profit rate calculations

30 June 2025

The Single Source Regulations Office (SSRO) are consulting on updates to the way that profit rates for defence-related single source contracts are calculated.

DXC opens Farnborough office

Defence

DXC opens Farnborough office

30 June 2025

DXC Technology has opened an office in Farnborough, that is to be home to DXC's dedicated Aerospace and Defence Hub.

Syensqo and Terma strengthen partnership

Aerospace Defence Security

Syensqo and Terma strengthen partnership

30 June 2025

Advanced materials specialist Syensqo and Terma, provider of mission-critical solutions in aerospace, defence and security, have signed a strategic collaboration agreement to develop joint initiatives in composites for next-generation aerospace and defence applications.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Babcock reveals regional regeneration plans

Defence

Babcock reveals regional regeneration plans

30 June 2025

Babcock has announced transformative plans to locate more than 2,000 of its workforce from its Devonport Royal Dockyard facility, to the heart of Plymouth City Centre, as part of a trailblazing approach to support regional regeneration across the UK.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton KCB ADC FREng appointed Chief of the Defence Staff

Defence

Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton KCB ADC FREng appointed Chief of the Defence Staff

27 June 2025

His Majesty The King has approved the appointment of Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton KCB ADC FREng to take over from Admiral Sir Tony Radakin KCB ADC as the next Chief of the Defence Staff, with effect from September 2025.

Advertisement
Leonardo RT