United Kingdom and Australia join forces to develop low-cost, high-tech modular weapons (GOV UK)
The United Kingdom and Australia have entered into a partnership to develop advanced subsystems for low-cost modular weapons by combining the UK’s Modular Weapons Testbed program with Australia’s SHARKTOOTH project.
The collaboration, announced on April 3, aims to accelerate innovation and reduce costs and risks in the development of guided weapons, leveraging the UK’s missile expertise and Australia’s modular approach.
The project focuses on cutting-edge technologies such as low-cost seeker sensors, 3D-printed propulsion, modular warheads and fuzes, as well as advanced navigation and control algorithms. These innovations will be integrated into a flexible architecture, enabling rapid adaptation to emerging threats.
Expected benefits include reduced development costs, faster delivery of new capabilities, and increased interoperability between the two countries’ forces, as well as strengthening the local defense industry.
The initiative is also part of a broader strategy to enhance defense industrial sovereignty in both the UK and Australia. SHARKTOOTH will be a small modular demonstrator, while the Modular Weapons Testbed will enable technological experimentation in the UK.
The partnership aligns with strategic projects such as AUKUS, reinforcing both countries’ commitment to innovation and regional security.
Source: UK Defence Journal | Photo: GOV UK | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
