U.K. Begins Developing Missiles Capable of Communicating with Each Other

The Co-operative Strike Weapons Technology Demonstrator (CSWTD) project led by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory will develop an upgraded software system that will allow missiles to work together and communicate during missions By DA Staff / 07 Jul 2021

Discover Leading Defense Technology Solutions

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Follow DA

The U.K. Ministry of Defence (MoD) has awarded the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) £3.5 million to develop innovative new missile systems that are capable of communicating with each other. 

The project, known as the Co-operative Strike Weapons Technology Demonstrator (CSWTD) and led by the Dstl, will explore how inter-missile communication can enable the weapons systems to work together and also improve the performance of current systems.

The project aims to improve missile flexibility and responsiveness, ensuring that they can react to changing threats or situations. Instead of working individually, an upgraded software system will allow them to work together and communicate during missions.

“Currently missiles can communicate with the launch platform but not each other,” a Dstl Scientist, Charlie, said.

“The aim of this programme is to investigate how inter-missile communication and cooperative behaviours can be technically achieved to solve U.K. military challenges.”

The development work is expected to last just over two years. Currently Dstl scientists are assessing different military tactics and scenarios in collaboration with industry partner MBDA.

Minister for Defence Procurement, Jeremy Quin, said, “Drawing on the vital expertise of our Dstl scientists, innovative new missile systems will enhance our current capabilities as Defence adapts to meet future threats.

“With an investment into research and development, this project highlights the central role science and technology plays in informing how our assets operate.”

Announced by the Prime Minister in November 2020, Defence has received an uplift in funding of £24-billion over the next four years and, aided by commitments outlined in the recent Defence Command Paper, the MoD will invest £6.6-billion into Research & Development, enabling the Armed Forces to benefit from science and innovation.

The investment into the CSWTD project will deliver the foundations for future co-operative missiles, including hardware and software, and also provide a number of systems studies to understand how co-operative missiles could be used in real operational scenarios.

A demonstration will take place throughout the project, and if successful, U.K. platforms could be exploiting the benefits of a smarter integrated network of missiles within 5 years.

Posted by DA Staff Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

Enhancing Border Security with the Sentinel Counter-Drone System

Alpine Eagle outlines the capabilities of its Sentinel counter-drone system to target the rising threats of weaponized drones at borders and critical infrastructure, leveraging AI-driven drone swarms to detect, track, and intercept UAS in real-time

Feb 10, 2025
Military Trial Showcases Robot Dog for Bomb Disposal

Robotic canines were used in a recent bomb disposal trial by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), aiming to minimize the dangers faced by military personnel and improve operational effectiveness

Feb 10, 2025
Teledyne FLIR Unveils Software Solution to Enhance UAS Automation & AI Capabilities

Teledyne FLIR introduces Prism Supervisor, enhancing UAS capabilities by integrating autopilot systems with AI-driven analytics, enabling real-time mission adaptation, automation, and synchronized multi-UAV operations for improved efficiency and success

Feb 10, 2025
U.S. Navy Navigation Capabilities Enhanced with Upgraded INS/GPS Technology

Northrop Grumman’s LN-251M upgrade enhances the U.S. Navy’s airborne navigation with advanced M-code technology, offering improved resistance to GPS jamming and spoofing threats

Feb 10, 2025
U.S. Army Orders Advanced Manpack & Leader Radios to Equip Soldiers

The U.S. Army has awarded L3Harris Technologies with full-rate production orders for its Manpack and Leader radios, delivering secure, resilient battlefield communications for soldiers

Feb 07, 2025
XENTA Air Defense Radar Upgraded with Cambridge Pixel Software

Cambridge Pixel has delivered a high-performance radar control and display system for Weibel Scientific’s XENTA surveillance radar, enhancing tracking, control, and integration capabilities

Feb 07, 2025

Featured Content

Creomagic Demonstrates Secure Backhaul Technology for Tactical Communications

Creomagic has successfully demonstrated a robust and secure backhaul solution for mobile LTE base stations, leveraging its CreoLand MANET technology in collaboration with a key defense partner

Feb 06, 2025
Greensea IQ Expands Defense Leadership with Record Growth

After successful contracts for the Bayonet AUGV with the US Navy, US Marine Corps, and foreign militaries, Greensea IQ has closed a record-breaking year of growth in 2024

Jan 31, 2025
Latest Software Bundle Released for ISR Quadcopter

PDW CORE is the latest software package from PDW featuring a user-friendly touch interface, a PDW flight simulator, mission planning tools, an ATAK plug-in, and a laptop-compatible C100 updater

Jan 30, 2025
Revector’s Latest 4-Channel Covert Solution for Tactical Operations

Revector’s newly launched IMSI locator, the 4-channel Portable Covert Unit 2.0, delivers improved performance, flexibility, and rugged design, tailored for demanding security, defense, and search-and-rescue operations

Jan 27, 2025
Galvion Releases New Helmets for Military & SAR

Galvion is exhibiting new helmets at SHOT Show 2025 in Las Vegas, The Batlskin Hellbender TE (Tactical Edition) and the Batlskin Caiman SAR (Search and Rescue)

Jan 23, 2025
What is MIL-DTL-38999?

Micropol breaks down the definition, benefits, and roles of the MIL-DTL-38999 connector, a robust and reliable cornerstone in modern military and aerospace connectivity

Jan 21, 2025