The Ministry of Defence (MoD) defence tech firm QinitiQ have launched a joint initiative designed to accelerate the testing of new defence tools from SMEs.
Project Safari aims to revolutionise access to the UK’s sovereign Test and Evaluation (T&E) facilities, fostering an agile environment which would allow SMEs to prove and deliver new technologies into service more rapidly. The new initiative will remove long-standing barriers that have historically hindered companies, particular those which are new to the defence sector, from testing new products in real world scenarios.
The project will provide a single point of contact for SMEs looking to access UK sites, therefore streamlining approvals for trial activities. The smoother route will support jobs and investments in local economies and encourage nationwide growth. The programme dovetails with the government’s commitment to support SMEs, with an additional £2.5bn to be invested annually by 2028.
During a site visit to the UK’s largest weapons testing range at MOD Hebrides, Luke Pollard, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, signed an agreement with QinetiQ for an initial design phase of the multimillion-pound development of the site. This will allow for testing hypersonic missiles and similar advanced technologies. He was accompanied by Steve Wadey, QinetiQ CEO, in hosting a roundtable with SME reps to discuss their experiences in accessing T&E services.
The Defence Minister said: “We know that limited access to test and evaluation facilities have been holding back smaller businesses and new entrants from working with defence. By working hand-in-hand with QinetiQ, we are unlocking British innovation by developing, testing and delivering military capabilities for the UK and our allies at speed.”
Steve Wadey added: “Turning ideas into trusted frontline capability faster than our adversaries is what delivers military advantage and we’ve got to go faster to stay ahead. Project Safari will transform how the UK approves new technologies, creating a world-leading test and evaluation enterprise that helps government, industry and regulators work together to accelerate the delivery of military capability at the pace demanded by modern warfare.”
Project Safari is a practical example of the ambitions outlined in the Strategic Defence Review, which committed to increased defence spending with SMEs by £2.5bn per year by 2028. It also builds on the Defence Investment Plan, with £298bn of backing over the next four years, which aims to drive sustained investment across British industry.
