The UK and Australia have launched a partnership to develop next-generation sub-systems for low-cost weapons.
The effort will bring together the UK’s Modular Weapons Testbed and Australia’s SHARKTOOTH program, which features “plug-and-launch” modular technology.
SHARKTOOTH is an in-development small missile that allows rapid integration of various components such as sensors, warheads, guidance systems, and propulsion units.
“This collaboration represents a step-change in how we develop and deploy complex weapons systems,” a spokesperson for the UK’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) said.
“By combining Australia’s modular approach with the UK’s missile know-how, we’re creating more versatile and capable systems for our armed forces.”
Joint Effort
The collaboration aims to accelerate and de-risk industry development of guided weapon subsystems, such as seekers, additively manufactured engines, modular warheads and fuses, algorithms to improve guidance, navigation, and control, and other novel technologies.
Additionally, new approaches and technologies to enhance future weapons capabilities will be explored under the joint effort of DSTL and Australia’s Defence Science and Technology Group.
The collaboration seeks to achieve accelerated deployment of new capabilities, enhanced interoperability between UK and Australian forces, and flexible, modular design for rapid adaptation to emerging threats.
Additionally, it aims to widen the pool of innovative ideas of both nations and strengthen their respective defense ecosystems, including defense primes, small-to-medium-sized enterprises, and academia.
