VIDEO
New targets installed at Holbeach Air Weapons Range
Two new repurposed marine vessel targets have been successfully delivered and installed at Holbeach Air Weapons Range (AWR), significantly enhancing Defence flying training for both fixed wing and rotary wing air platforms. The delivery of the new targets involved a joint effort between Landmarc, the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), the Overseas Training and Infrastructure Cell and construction and marine industry specialists Topbond PLC. Made from steel and adapted specifically for military use, the new targets will play a crucial role in supporting training delivery for a diverse mix of air platforms.
Inside the Future of AI Drone Control
Two Autonomous Black Hawks, One Mission
Two Black Hawk® helicopters recently completed a fully autonomous side-by-side flight—demonstrating how autonomy is moving from concept to real-world capability. Enabled by Sikorsky’s MATRIX™ autonomy system, this flight shows how operators can shift from managing the controls to focusing on the mission. From wildfire response to contested logistics, autonomy helps crews operate with greater precision, consistency and flexibility in complex environments. MATRIX is already proven across: • 1,000+ autonomous flight hours • 500+ successful demonstrations • 20+ different aircraft platforms As autonomy continues to scale, the focus remains the same: supporting the people executing the mission—so they can go farther, operate safer and bring every crew home.
Testing Robots in Department Stores - Dstl trials run in real world environments
Autonomous advantage – Dstl and Defra assesses robotic systems in hazardous incident recovery trial. Future hazardous incidents could be responded to by robots rather than people following tests by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory alongside the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs Chemical, biological and radiological substances can pose a significant risk to public health, especially in confined spaces which concentrate vapours and spills. Robots allow the human operators to manage any contamination but remain at a safe distance away from any harmful substances. – Dstl’s science and technology is vital to keeping our Armed Forces safe and the UK secure.
Five Eyes Science and Technology | International impact through collaboration
The UK Ministry of Defence’s Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor Tim Dafforn, explains how scientists from five nations come together and contribute to work on defence and security research under the Five Eyes Science and Technology (S&T) agreement. Read more about Dstl’s crucial role in the success of this collaboration: www.gov.uk/dstl
Proteus takes flight
The UK Ministry of Defence has released footage of what it says is the maiden flight of Britain’s first autonomous full-sized military helicopter. Developed by Leonardo in Yeovil, the Proteus helicopter completed a six-minute test flight at Predannack Airfield in Cornwall during the weekend of 10–11 January 2026. With a payload capacity of over one tonne, Proteus is remotely monitored from a control room while also capable of making certain flight decisions independently. The milestone highlights the UK military’s push toward advanced autonomous systems and next-generation defence technology.
Skimo - extreme Winter sport with military origins
Ski Mountaineering (Skimo) combines brutal endurance with technical alpine skill. Imagine racing up a mountain on skis (or carrying them on your back), navigating narrow ridgelines with crampons, before descending at speed – all under race conditions. Lieutenant Colonel Pete Davis, technical director of British Army Skimo, explains why the sport is growing fast within the Armed Forces. From its inclusion at the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics to the first-ever Army Skimo Championships alongside Exercise Lions Challenge, momentum is building. With participants from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, and a growing RAF team, could an Inter Services Championship be next? Rooted in 19th-century Alpine travel and linked to the historic military patrol event of the 1924 Winter Games, Skimo has deep military connections — and its resurgence could signal a new era for armed forces sport.
DPRTE: Why attend
Launchpad - Accelerating breakthrough technologies into new businesses
Innovation is at the heart of what we do and Launchpad builds on this legacy by turning great technologies into new ventures. Launchpad helps create and grow start-ups that develop our advanced technology for use outside of defence. It also accelerates early-stage, potentially transformative defence research, giving it the support needed to make a real-world impact.
Creative Futures | How Science Fiction can shape the future
The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) has unveiled Creative Futures, a new collection of science fiction stories designed to spark fresh thinking about the future of defence and security over the next 100 years. Edited by Dr Allen Stroud of Coventry University, Creative Futures brings together leading science fiction authors who worked alongside defence experts to imagine future scenarios stretching as far as 2122. These stories explore how emerging technologies, societal shifts, and global challenges might shape the world beyond this century.
