The Ministry of Defence and QinetiQ have launched Project Safari to improve access to military testing facilities, alongside an agreement advancing plans for hypersonic missile testing in the Hebrides.
The announcement was published on Saturday, 10 October.
Easier access for defence businesses
QinetiQ says the joint programme will help smaller businesses, major contractors and companies entering the defence sector access specialist facilities and expertise.
Its programme overview describes support for testing everything from individual components and early prototypes to complete systems, including sensors, communications and autonomous technologies.
The intended changes include modernising infrastructure, improving decisions and bringing together government, industry, regulators and innovators. Faster development and deployment are the programme's aims, rather than results already demonstrated by the launch.
Hebrides agreement covers initial design
Defence Readiness and Industry Minister Luke Pollard signed an agreement with QinetiQ for the first design stage of a multimillion-pound investment at MOD Hebrides.
The planned development would enable testing of hypersonic missiles and other advanced technologies. The announcement does not specify an exact investment figure or completion date.
It confirms initial design work, rather than completion of the expanded facilities.
QinetiQ operates the range on the MOD's behalf under its Long Term Partnering Agreement. Facilities are located across South Uist, Benbecula and St Kilda.
Existing spending target
Safari supports the Strategic Defence Review's existing commitment to increase annual defence spending with small and medium-sized businesses by £2.5 billion by summer 2028. That is a wider spending target, not a new allocation solely for Safari.