Imaging and sensing that delivers operational advantage

In a world of significant technological disruption, Defence’s ability to mitigate future threats is underpinned by a strong science and technology base. I will provide examples of how we are working across UK academia and industry to develop and exploit key sensing and imaging technologies that will deliver future operational advantage to UK forces. <br/><br/> Our interests range from understanding fundamental novel optical and quantum phenomena to working in partnership with universities and industrial partners to demonstrate key concepts. I'll provide examples from the area of quantum sensing, where there is a real drive to test prototype technologies in relevant environments on airborne and maritime platforms. At a systems level I'll talk about how MOD is leading the development of architectures like Sapient - a key enabler for future integrated ISTAR systems. As we seek to continually adapt to new opportunities, I'll also talk about emerging themes such as distributed coherent sensing. <br/><br/> I’ll close on one of the most important assets for the future of UK defence - a skilled UK workforce which we support through the funding of PhDs, including the recently announced the Sensing, Processing and AI for Defence (SPADS) Centre for Doctoral Training, jointly with EPSRC. Through such collaborations and our work with UK industry we are ensuring the UK armed forces can remain at the cutting edge of science and technology.”