Mon, 15 July, 2024
TWI is one of a number of organisations to join the Hypersonic Technologies and Capability Development Framework (HTCDF) to develop a sovereign hypersonic strike capability for the UK.
We are one of ninety organisations drawn from industry and academia by the MOD’s Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) for the £1 billion initiative. This means that we are now able to bid for contracts as part of an eight-lot framework over the next seven years.
The framework is due to operate rapidly to adopt mechanisms that align procurement with development activities to increase the pace of capability acquisition with an agile route to market as part of a broader drive across the MOD to increase the speed of defence procurement.
Paul Wilson, the Programme Director for Team Hypersonics UK, said, “We had a fantastic response from those wanting to be part of what is an iconic national endeavour. In an unsettled world, the battlespace is continually evolving, and the UK MOD recognises the need for agility to ensure we can rapidly develop and deliver the capabilities our Armed Forces need to protect our interests and those of our allies.”
The framework was announced last year as the UK Government indicated a desire to accelerate the development of a sovereign UK Hypersonic Strike Capability, whilst also bolstering AUKUS collaboration with Australia and the United States.
The framework will operate across Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 1-9to deliver a capability, with established weapons manufacturers and academic institutions being joined by SMEs that will allow the MOD to leverage the breadth of talent and innovation both in the UK and internationally.
The HTCDF will continue to accept new suppliers on a 6 to 12 monthly basis, making sure that the MOD can continue to access new technologies and emerging market capabilities.
TWI is pleased to be part of the framework of organisations helping to progress the development of a sovereign hypersonic strike capability for the UK.