Industry innovation to help frontline troops

18 February 2010

The Centre for Defence Enterprise (CDE) recently received its 1,000th research proposal from industry.

The Centre for Defence Research has awarded £8m worth of research grants in a drive to encourage innovation that will help UK troops on operation.  Some examples of the new products which have already been developed are a gel-like substance which turns to a solid upon sudden impact – this could be used in helmets and other protective equipment, and conductive fabric which could replace traditional wiring looms.

The defence industry has an impressive track record in innovation with GPS, microwaves and flat screen televisions all having originated from the industry in one form or another.  Each year billions of pounds are invested in the defence sector in the UK.

300,000 people are employed by defence and the industry is proudly working with our frontline troops both at home and overseas on operations.

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Lord Drayson tests the shock-absorbing gel - Crown Copyright

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Information

In the UK around 300,000 people work in the defence industry

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