Menu
11/09/2013
UK's First Centre Of Excellence For Ceramic Armour To Be Developed
A new partnership between MOD and industry will develop the UK's first centre of excellence for ceramic armour development.
The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and Kennametal Manufacturing UK Ltd are jointly funding the £2 million facility in Newport, South Wales. The centre will be the largest in Europe and will help to sustain 50 local jobs. It will develop full size ceramic armour components for personnel and vehicle protection, large enough for full scale impact tests.
Specialised manufacturing facilities mean that ideas generated in the development centre can be produced on site in Newport.
Dstl is already working with Tata Steel in Port Talbot to develop advanced steel armour and the Newport development will see South Wales become the UK’s centre of advanced military armour technology.
Improved UK-based development and production will also help reduce the reliance on imports of ceramic armour and make it more readily available during the development of any future vehicles or body armour.
Speaking at the DSEI (Defence and Security Equipment International) exhibition in London, the Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology, Philip Dunne, said: "I am pleased that this investment in a state-of-the art facility in South Wales, the largest in Europe, will further advance the United Kingdom’s freedom of action in advanced ceramic armour.
"This contract is a good example of the Ministry of Defence using its science and technology budget to develop innovation in the UK defence sector."
(CD)
The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and Kennametal Manufacturing UK Ltd are jointly funding the £2 million facility in Newport, South Wales. The centre will be the largest in Europe and will help to sustain 50 local jobs. It will develop full size ceramic armour components for personnel and vehicle protection, large enough for full scale impact tests.
Specialised manufacturing facilities mean that ideas generated in the development centre can be produced on site in Newport.
Dstl is already working with Tata Steel in Port Talbot to develop advanced steel armour and the Newport development will see South Wales become the UK’s centre of advanced military armour technology.
Improved UK-based development and production will also help reduce the reliance on imports of ceramic armour and make it more readily available during the development of any future vehicles or body armour.
Speaking at the DSEI (Defence and Security Equipment International) exhibition in London, the Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology, Philip Dunne, said: "I am pleased that this investment in a state-of-the art facility in South Wales, the largest in Europe, will further advance the United Kingdom’s freedom of action in advanced ceramic armour.
"This contract is a good example of the Ministry of Defence using its science and technology budget to develop innovation in the UK defence sector."
(CD)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 June 2004
Globalisation is failing world's 700m poorest people, says UN
The economic benefits of globalisation are not filtering down to the most disadvantaged, and 700 million people in 50 of the world's poorest countries are being forced to choose between migration or poverty, senior UN officials have said.
Globalisation is failing world's 700m poorest people, says UN
The economic benefits of globalisation are not filtering down to the most disadvantaged, and 700 million people in 50 of the world's poorest countries are being forced to choose between migration or poverty, senior UN officials have said.
19 November 2014
Thieves Target Commemorative Ceramic Poppies
Commemorative ceramic poppies that were "planted" at the Tower of London to mark the deaths of soldiers during World War One are being targeted by thieves. The display – made up of 888,246 ceramic poppies – is currently being removed by thousands of volunteers following the end of the exhibition on 12th November.
Thieves Target Commemorative Ceramic Poppies
Commemorative ceramic poppies that were "planted" at the Tower of London to mark the deaths of soldiers during World War One are being targeted by thieves. The display – made up of 888,246 ceramic poppies – is currently being removed by thousands of volunteers following the end of the exhibition on 12th November.
01 August 2005
Saudi King Fahd dies in hospital
King Fahd of Saudi Arabia has died, it has been announced. King Fahd, who has reigned as the country’s monarch since 1982, died in the King Faisal Specialised Hospital in the capital, Riyadh, on Monday. He had been admitted to hospital on May 27 for unspecified medical tests.
Saudi King Fahd dies in hospital
King Fahd of Saudi Arabia has died, it has been announced. King Fahd, who has reigned as the country’s monarch since 1982, died in the King Faisal Specialised Hospital in the capital, Riyadh, on Monday. He had been admitted to hospital on May 27 for unspecified medical tests.
10 November 2004
MoD rapped over its handling of defence projects
The way in which the MoD buys and develops defence equipment has come under fire in a new National Audit Office (NAO) report published today. The MoD came in for criticism after the NAO found that that, in the last year, costs on the MoD’s 20 biggest equipment projects had increased by £1.7 billion.
MoD rapped over its handling of defence projects
The way in which the MoD buys and develops defence equipment has come under fire in a new National Audit Office (NAO) report published today. The MoD came in for criticism after the NAO found that that, in the last year, costs on the MoD’s 20 biggest equipment projects had increased by £1.7 billion.
15 January 2004
Iraq war widow calls on Hoon to resign
The widow of a British soldier who was killed during the Iraq conflict has called on the Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon to resign.
Iraq war widow calls on Hoon to resign
The widow of a British soldier who was killed during the Iraq conflict has called on the Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon to resign.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
