QinetiQ, along with the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), will invest £16.8m in the country’s test and evaluation capabilities.
The proposed investment will be used to purchase new tracking radars from BAE Systems, which will be installed on St Kilda, Scotland, UK.
As part of the joint investment programme, QinetiQ will also upgrade two existing radars at MoD Hebrides.
QinetiQ Group Test and Evaluation director Cathy O’Carroll said: “The modernisation of UK test and evaluation is a key part of our strategy for future growth. Working with the UK MoD, we want to ensure that we are able to deliver air ranges that are relevant and competitive for the UK Armed Forces as well as government and industry customers around the world.
“These new radars will provide a step change in what we are able to deliver for our customers and ensure that the UK MoD are getting real value for money. MoD Hebrides is a key range for the UK, which has helped to deliver significant and groundbreaking demonstrations such as Unmanned Warrior. These new radars will help ensure that more complex work can be carried out at the range.”
The new radars are being acquired as part of the £95m Air Range Modernisation programme agreed in December last year with the UK MoD and will become fully operational by the spring of 2020.
The modernisation of MoD Aberporth and MoD Hebrides is expected to help reduce the overall operating costs of the ranges, ensuring they remain competitive and have the capabilities required to support UK defence and exports, and attract international customers, QinetiQ stated.
Image: The new radars are being acquired as part of the £95m Air Range Modernisation programme. Photo: courtesy of QinetiQ.
