Industry asked to join '1 billion drive to bolster UK hypersonics capability
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Industry interested in developing advanced hypersonic missile capabilities have been encouraged to apply for a place on the £1 billion framework announced by UK MOD earlier this year.
The Hypersonic Technologies & Capability Development Framework (HTCDF) is being mobilised after the UK Government indicated they are keen to accelerate development of a sovereign UK Hypersonic Strike Capability, whilst bolstering AUKUS collaboration with Australia and the United States.
MOD is keen to encourage both established corporations, Small and Medium Enterprises (SME’s) as well as Academia to join the framework. Those organisations that are accepted onto the framework, governed by Team Hypersonics (UK), will be eligible to apply for contracts across eight lots. In July, it was announced the maximum value of the framework across the next seven years is up to £1 billion.
Services and supplies to be procured are likely to include research, systems, components, technology, infrastructure, testing and components including airframes, flight control computer systems, guidance systems, data links systems, evaluation, platform integration, academic research, system design authority, modelling and simulation, thermal management, mission planning and assurance.
Team Hypersonics (UK) wants to enable a collaborative enterprise approach to development which leverages the strength and breadth of UK talent and innovation across MOD, industry, and academia.
There will be no minimum or maximum number of suppliers per lot, nor on the framework which will be managed by Defence Equipment and Support, the procurement arm of the UK MOD.
Paul Wilson, Programme Director Team Hypersonics (UK) said:
“This is an exciting opportunity to be part of an iconic national endeavour. We are keen for Industry and Academia to apply to join the commercial framework and a build a broad defence enterprise. In this way we will drive the development of new capabilities, to harness advanced technologies, and build greater competitive edge for the UK Armed Forces and our Allies.”