Under Secretary of State for Defence, Dr Lewis Moonie has launched the UK MOD's Defence Technology Centre (DTC) initiative.

Defence Technology Centres will be virtual centres of excellence conducting innovative, cutting edge research towards enhanced UK defence capability. DTCs will comprise defence industry and academia working in collaboration to facilitate the earliest exploitation of new defence technology.

Up to six DTCs will be established in two phases for a duration of up to six years. The MOD will shortly be issuing a request for declarations of interest.

Each DTC will comprise of one or more defence science and work packages carried out by a consortium of research suppliers. Each DTC will have a bespoke structure and funding arrangements. The MOD will provide funding of up to £5m per annum for each DTC with significant contributions (up to 50% in cash or in kind) from the consortia.

The MOD expects to benefit from a source of expertise in specific areas of science and technology interest whilst participants will see a return on their investment in science and technology through exploitation in future defence equipment and, desirably, civilian products.

Dr Moonie said, "I believe Defence Technology Centres (DTCs) are an invaluable opportunity for the UK's world-class scientists in industry and academia to work in collaboration with Government to generate, develop and exploit innovative technology for UK Defence. An advanced defence technology base in the UK underpins effective Armed Forces that can continue to defend our interests. The generation of novel technology will also benefit the wider UK population via its exploitation into the civil domain and by providing a source of growth for the economy."


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