MOD signs deal for research into electronic warfare skills
THE Ministry of Defence has signed a 10-year deal with research spin-off Qinetiq to boost electronic warfare skills to counter complex threats from Russia and China.
Increasingly sophisticated sensors on RAF warplanes and Navy warships are offering up exponentially more data which the armed forces must analyse and protect.
Qinetiq, which is also helping to develop a laser-powered missile-killing weapon for Britain, will help the forces speed up how they can access and interpret battlefield information as part of the £80m deal.
Companies such as Leonardo UK are developing imaging and radar equipment for the next generation of fighter jets capable of managing data traffic comparable to Edinburgh’s internet usage, in order to build up detailed battlefield maps.
The challenge is made yet more complex by the data being shared under agreements between Britain and allies such as the Five Eyes intelligence sharing deal between Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the US.
Qinetiq is one of a number of companies developing ways of taking data from a battlefield and turning it into intelligence. It will work with smaller contractors and universities to provide the support and training in managing the information, it said.
Obtaining and corralling this data quickly is becoming increasingly important.
China is developing satellite-killing radar designed to track the communications capsules, which could be used to take down military versions creating blind spots for Western observation.
Russia’s jamming technology has disabled 90pc of Ukraine’s drones, creating blind spots in Kyiv’s intelligence, according to the Royal United Services Institute in London.
James Willis, chief executive of UK intelligence at Qinetiq, said: “We are delighted to be selected as the Mod’s industry partner for mission data.
“The contract demonstrates how the MOD works closely with industry to build the skills of the future and introduce innovative approaches to enhance mission capability.”