The UK’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) and Australia’s Defence Science and Technology (DST) Group announced today an unprecedented collaboration to develop next-generation subsystems for low-cost weapon systems. This strategic partnership brings together cutting-edge technologies from both countries, with the aim of accelerating the deployment of advanced yet affordable weapons.

The collaboration will integrate the UK’s Modular Weapons Testbed and Australia’s Sharktooth program, which features innovative “plug-and-launch” modular technology. This approach aims to speed up development and reduce risks for industry in creating guided weapon subsystems.

The agreement provides for the joint development of new technologies to improve the capabilities of future weapon systems. Areas of interest include:

- Advanced sensors for target detection and tracking.

- Using 3D printing and similar technologies to create engines.

- Modular headers and fuses: Interchangeable components for greater flexibility.

- Advanced algorithms for guidance, navigation and control: more precise and efficient control systems.

- Innovative Weapon Technologies: Exploring new solutions for the defense sector.

The two governments say the partnership offers significant benefits, including: reduced development costs and risks through sharing expertise; accelerated deployment of new capabilities to rapidly respond to emerging threats; greater interoperability between UK and Australian forces for more effective cooperation; development and demonstration of innovative ideas, ie investment in national defence ecosystems; and modular and flexible design for rapid adaptation to operational needs.

This collaboration enables both countries to access a broader pool of innovative ideas, cooperate on technology development and deliver solutions more rapidly for a wider range of operational use cases. Strengthening leading defence companies, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and academia is a key objective, in support of the UK’s Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) and Australia’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (Gweo) program.

Both Nations are developing demonstrator prototypes, similar to "concept cars", to test future technologies before their integration into national industrial and military capabilities. Sharktooth, the weapon system under development in Australia, is a small-scale missile designed for the rapid integration of various components, including sensors, warheads, guidance systems and propulsion units.

A DSTL spokesperson said: "This collaboration represents a step change in the way we develop and deploy complex weapons systems. By combining Australia's modular approach with the UK's missile expertise, we are creating more versatile and capable systems for our armed forces".