The UK’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory and Defence Science and Technology Group Australia are to partner on the development of next-generation sub-systems for affordable weapons platforms that use a shared, modular ‘plug-and-launch’ approach.
The partnership between the defense research agencies will combine their respective weapons technology programs to accelerate development of advanced, cost-effective guided weapons. The collaboration integrates the UK’s Modular Weapons Testbed with Australia’s Sharktooth program.
The initiative focuses on developing innovative technologies including low-cost seekers for target detection and tracking, additively manufactured engines, modular warheads and fuses, and enhanced guidance algorithms. Both nations will develop new approaches to improve future weapons capabilities.
The partnership also aims to reduce development costs by sharing expertise, while accelerating deployment of new technologies. The collaboration enhances interoperability between UK and Australian forces while supporting innovation in both countries’ defense industries, said the UK Government.
“This collaboration represents a step-change in how we develop and deploy complex weapons systems,” said the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory. “By combining Australia’s modular approach with the UK’s missiles know-how, we’re creating more versatile and capable systems for our armed forces.”
The modular plug-and-launch technology will allow rapid adaptation to emerging threats. Both countries are developing concept demonstrators to prove technologies before integration into sovereign industrial and military capabilities.
Australia’s developmental weapon system Sharktooth is a small missile designed for rapid integration of various components including sensors, warheads, guidance systems and propulsion units. Its flexible architecture supports a wide range of potential configurations.
The partnership aims to strengthen defense prime contractors, small to medium-sized enterprises, and academic institutions supporting the UK MOD’s Complex Weapons Pipeline and Australia’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Enterprise. The approach provides access to a broader pool of innovative ideas and accelerates technology development across multiple operational scenarios.
