Owen Thompson

The Cluster’s Uncrewed Systems (UAV/C-UAV/RPAS/UAS/UXS) – Supporting the Defence Drone Strategy Event on 3 July aims to identify how regional innovation can support the implementation of the UK Ministry of Defence Drone Strategy. This Strategy, launched by Minister Defence Procurement in February 2024, identifies a “new way of war” represented by the war in Ukraine, and states: There is no clearer example than the development and employment of uncrewed systems, where low-cost solutions are increasingly defeating more exquisite capabilities and delivering disproportionate impact on the battlefield. The UK must learn from the Ukrainian experience, amongst other lessons, to position ourselves as a world leader in uncrewed systems. This will require changes in our processes, culture and relationship with industry. We will need to foster a culture of delivery-focused innovation across Defence, able to rapidly pull research & development (R&D) breakthroughs into the frontline. The UK’s leading #manufacturing, #robotics and #digital sectors will be vital in supporting Defence. The event will bring together the requirements of the MOD and primes with an explanation of key priorities for #innovation in drones and their subsystems across all domains (#land, #air and #maritime), along with the new approach to procurement. #SMEs and #academia from within the region will provide updates on the latest research and development in this area, with the opportunity for live demonstrations at the drone test centre. Westcott Venture Park provides an ideal location for this event with its history of defence innovation and its growing focus on drone technology, test and development in the heart of the region. Register on our website https://lnkd.in/ebyNPtnW Contact the team at [email protected] with any questions. #drones #autonomous #uncrewed #UAV #UXV #UXS #UUV #USV #UAS #RPAS #technology #defence #security British Army Royal Navy Royal Air Force (RAF) UK Space Command Strategic Command Defence and Security Accelerator Satellite Applications Catapult UK Research and Innovation STFC Business & Innovation Harwell Science and Innovation Campus Culham Campus

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Following initial funding from the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA), Flare Bright has won contracts from leading aerospace companies, the UK Ministry of Defence and the United States Department of Defense Defense. Flare Bright’s GPS-free navigation software cannot be spoofed by an adversary, as happens regularly to drones in the Ukraine conflict. The successful one hour endurance flight trials over land and sea were to prove that the software contained in the drone could continuously determine speed and position taking into account data and signals of opportunity, which are not commonly used for navigation. This unique software gave the drone constant, highly accurate internal navigation ‘fixes’ on its location. As it does not require camera-based navigation, which cannot work over water or other featureless terrain, it is reliable enough for operational use.

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After the announcement of the UK Government's Defence plan review, we now expect it to have positive impact for the defence industry. I would foresee significant investments in modernising the military equipment and infrastructure but, this could create both challenges and opportunities for the defence industry as there will be a need to innovate and grow in alignment with the UK's defence objectives. https://lnkd.in/eZqdPsQS #DEFENCEIndustry #defenseinfustry

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Best start this one off with, speaking entirely personally... I don't have any personal concerns with this though I do agree with the commentary from fellow Defence AI Ethics Advisory Panel member Prof Mariarosaria Taddeo at Oxford. One thing I would advise on is the issuance of guidelines on how to format your submission for consumption by the particular LLM in question. This being necessary to level the playing field. Without it what you may find is that folks may game the system, although, don't humans do this with writing techniques to get their messages to land? Know thy audience? But, it's now machines however and folks don't all have the same know how. So, perhaps ensure all have the same advantages via the same guidelines? Then again, might someone want the LLM to break (as they sometimes do when I fire in a scientific paper) so that a human has to read it? Risky. These are interesting times no? Gp Capt Dr Keith Dear I suspect you actually read them all previously. 🙂 Looking forward to catching up next week.

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Many deeptech companies have the potential to serve both commercial and national security customers, but in the tech sector dual use is often still considered to be 'niche'. Great to see Craig Brown and the UK Space Agency increasing their support to the dual use community. There are hurdles to overcome - for example certification and compliance, security clearances, export controls and funding cycles - and these are usually harder for new entrants to identify and navigate. But despite the challenges, the pursuit is more than worthwhile. Dual use not only fuels innovation but also plays a pivotal role in bolstering national security and propelling commercial growth. It's a sector where perseverance translates into substantial rewards and strategic advantages on a global scale. If you're a company with first-hand experience of dual use in space make your voice heard by filling in the live Request For Information before the 27 May. #dualuse #venturecapital #deeptech

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Four innovative tech scale up businesses tackling challenges from connecting cancer patients to clinical trials, to improving IT systems’ resistance to cyber-attacks, have been announced as winners of the Unicorn Kingdom Pathfinder Awards (UKPA) - the largest global awards for tech scale up companies. The awards, hosted by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), provide a unique opportunity to unearth the most promising businesses in tech and builds on the success of the UK’s Tech Rocketship Awards in 2023, which resulted in £67.4 million investment into the UK.  The government is focused on transforming the UK into even more of a magnet for investors and global businesses of all shapes and sizes. The awards serve as a reminder that the UK is the place to do business, helping to advance further opportunities for investment and growth.

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Aerospace, defence, security and space sectors add £38bn to the UK economy in 2023, new data finds. The latest figures published by ADS Group Ltd reveal that the #aerospace, #defence, #security and #space sectors added £38.2bn in value to the #UKeconomy in 2023, a growth of 50% in the last 10 years. According to the trade association, figures highlight a 40% growth in turnover for businesses in these sectors, reaching a combined £88.4bn in 2023. With almost half of industry turnover generated through exports. Read the full article on The Manufacturer. https://lnkd.in/efMK-VwQ #ukmfg #mfg #ukproductivity #manufacturing #productivity #ukgrowth #gdp

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Our UK Ministry of Defence Neutral Vendor Framework for #Innovation is a great example of how we are raising the bar commercially in the digital and innovation space! Creating #innovative, #agile and #scalable routes to market for defence capability whilst introducing new, creative and pioneering digital suppliers to the Defence and security ecosystem! #Commercial #Procurement #Innovation #SME #CommercialX

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To date, the #Defence industry has been a vital customer for suppliers of #space technology but one that people would rather not shout about. However this article, by Gabriel Elefteriu FRAeS of the Council on Geostrategy, argues that defence should be front and centre in making the case to government that investment in space is vital to a country's sovereignty. Anyone working in this industry has to be concerned with how to make this argument persuasively and so I would hope you take five minutes to read 'Why Space Matters to the United Kingdom': https://lnkd.in/dWgsUB3b #earthobservation #gps #spaceexploration #remotesensing

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Great to see the ADS Group Ltd perspective for the future government Agree that we need to keep driving export - sovereign capability gives the UK a seat at the table and an ability to shape the future Defence and Space continues to grow in importance and we need to protect what we have and grow from there

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Orbitworks Secures $100 Million to Advance Space Infrastructure Orbitworks, a leading private space infrastructure company, has raised $100 million in a funding round on August 26, 2024. This significant investment, led by Marlan Space and Loft Orbital, reflects growing confidence in Orbitworks role in the space industry. Based in Abu Dhabi, the company focuses on advancing space travel and infrastructure. The new capital will enhance its technological capabilities and support its projects, reinforcing its position as a key player in the evolving space sector. Key Highlights: ⁍ Funding Amount: $100 million ⁍ Primary Investors: Marlan Space, Loft Orbital ⁍ Headquarters: Abu Dhabi, UAE ⁍ Focus: Space infrastructure development and space travel technologies ⁍ Objective: Enhance technological capabilities, expand operations, and advance space infrastructure ⁍ Regional Presence: Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA), including Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries The $100 million funding round significantly bolsters Orbitworks’ ability to drive advancements in space infrastructure. With key investments from Marlan Space and Loft Orbital, Orbitworks is set to enhance its technological capabilities and expand its operations. This development highlights the growing interest in space infrastructure and positions Orbitworks as a key player in shaping the future of space technology and exploration. #SpaceInfrastructure #Orbitworks #SpaceTravel #InvestmentRound #InnovationInSpace #MarlanSpace #LoftOrbital #SpaceTech #AbuDhabi #SpaceExploration #FundingNews #BreakingNews #Rasmal

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https://lnkd.in/eQuKqMnT An interesting article from ADS Advance the industry magazine from ADS Group Ltd representing the aerospace, defence, security and space sector. Interesting reading with the over arching sentiment being the urgent need for the GOV.UK to take strategic actions to enhance the value and capabilities of the UK aerospace sector, focusing on sustainability, innovation, and economic growth. With the UK's premier airshow taking place next week, I wonder to what extent the topics raised in this article will be key themes. It was interesting to read some of the thoughts and insights from Dave Edwards FRAeS Chief Executive of the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS). The article highlights the importance of modernising aviation infrastructure with sustainable technologies.  This is crucial because it addresses environmental concerns while ensuring the UK's aerospace sector remains competitive and secure.   Is there a clear answer at the present time? I attended an event this week; Perceptions, Interests and Fears: Public Opinion on the Climate Crisis, organised by The British Foreign Policy Group. An opinion was expressed to me that the only answer is to basically ban (or at least severely restrict) air travel.  I'm not convinced that would be the answer. I'm confident that leaders at the helms of companies such as Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, aerospace policy advisors, industry consulting firms and sustainability consultants will be curious to see how the new Labour government prioritise and allocate resources to balance immediate defence needs with long-term sustainable development in the aerospace sector?  I guess that's a question and a priority for John Healey MP and the UK Ministry of Defence, Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) and the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO). Can these two priorities be mutually beneficial to each other in achieving the overarching imperative of UK economic growth? #uksecurity #aerospace #defence #innovation #sustainability

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How does the UK Space Agency’s Space Portfolio aim to support UK-based space startups? What prompted the formation of the LEO Owner Operators Affinity Group and its impact on satellite operators' response to threats in low Earth orbit? What recent partnership aims to enhance connectivity services in Antarctica, and how does it benefit scientific activities in the region? Find out the answers to these questions and more in our latest news roundup! UK Space Agency Brings Financial Boost to Startups - https://lnkd.in/e7ghTAZu Aerospacelab Acquires Space and Astronomy Tech Firm AMOS - https://lnkd.in/ewk_9sgx Iceye Raises $93M, Led by Finnish Sovereign Wealth Fund Solidium - https://lnkd.in/e8qQhc9g Space ISAC establishes LEO satellite operators group - https://lnkd.in/g5VKBiN9 Kepler, TESAT, and Airbus Partner on Optical Network for ESA HydRON Programme - https://lnkd.in/eQGmb84k TT Electronics awarded contract with Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace - https://lnkd.in/eieeBKCY Comtech Partners with Eutelsat OneWeb to Deliver LEO Connectivity to Antarctica - https://lnkd.in/ex_BQumJ What are your thoughts on these topics? Do any of these stories resonate with the challenges or opportunities you see in the industry? Let us know in the comments! 👇 Stay tuned each week for our news roundup. We look forward to continuing the conversation on the talent landscape and top stories from across the industry. #newsofthewweek #aerospace #satcom #defence #stayconnected

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Timothy Jenkins on UK Ministry of Defence "Global Strategic Trends": 💥 Low Earth orbits could become unusable either due to accidental or deliberate action, potentially impacting on almost every aspect of modern life. The future doesn't have to be like that - it is way past time for a global #SpaceTrafficManagement solution! This is moving up the agenda at the United Nations and other countries are developing #STM strategies. The UK's Defence and Industrial strategies must address how to grow sovereign commercial capabilities to compete in what will become a significant global market for #STM systems and services. If not, we will be reliant on other nations to protect our #CriticalNationalInfrastructure. Peter Kyle Jonathan Reynolds MP Richard Knighton

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The UK is advancing in its efforts to counter unmanned systems by developing the Radio Frequency Directed Energy Weapon (RFDEW). This system, developed in collaboration between Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL), is expected to enter service by 2026. Following three years of experimentation, the RFDEW is nearing the end of its development phase and is designed to neutralize a range of threats across land, air, and sea. The RFDEW uses radio waves to disrupt or damage the electronic components of enemy vehicles, causing them to stop or crash. Designed to counter unmanned aerial systems (UAS), including drones, it is an effective tool to protect the UK's military assets from these threats.

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UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) - MOD Regional Expenditure with Industry On October 17th, the MOD released an update to the “MOD Regional Expenditure with Industry” collection. Statistics on MOD expenditure with industry, broken down by region and industry group. These statistics do not include estimates of MOD supported jobs with UK industry as previously published under the MOD regional expenditure with UK industry and supported employment statistics. Updates to MOD supported jobs estimates will be published under their own statistical collection when available. https://lnkd.in/eTr66y7j

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The UK's approach to hypersonic missile development through the Hypersonic Technologies & Capability Development Framework (HTCDF) is characterized by a dynamic, integrated process involving a broad coalition of 90 entities from industry and academia. This framework is designed to be adaptive, allowing for regular updates and the integration of new technologies and capabilities as they arise. This approach aims to circumvent traditional procurement delays by allowing for the rapid iteration of technology development across various readiness levels.  #defenceprocurement

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US investors have stepped up funding in European defence technology start-ups, accounting for the largest chunk of private capital flowing to the burgeoning sector this year amid a rise in global conflicts. The US provided more than 65 per cent of venture capital defence tech investment in Europe so far this year, according to Dealroom data, up from 18 per cent in 2023. The increase marks a sharp reversal from the previous year, when more than half of VC funding for defence tech in Europe came from domestic investors. US venture capital firms have provided $458mn to European defence start-ups in the year to date, more than three times higher than the sum invested any other year, according to Dealroom. Overall, VC investments into Europe have grown nearly fivefold since 2018 and are set to hit $1bn this year.

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