UK defense ministry investing £45M in counter-IED project

 The UK defense ministry has awarded a £45 million ($52.2M) contract to an industry team for the development of a digital protection system for soldiers, vehicles and UK military bases against improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Dubbed project Crenic, the undertaking will see UK military experts collaborate with small and medium businesses during the next five years.

The project will develop equipment designed to be carried by soldiers, fitted to vehicles and protect military bases by detecting and disrupting explosive devices using advanced techniques across the electromagnetic spectrum.

The team of companies that will be working on the new system includes PA Consulting, Leonardo, Leidos Innovations UK, and Marshall Land Systems.

An integration laboratory facility will also be established to support the development of the system. The laboratory will promote innovation and experimentation as the new capability evolves against emerging threats.

First deliveries of the new equipment for vehicle and soldier carried systems for use on operations are due to take place in 2026. Equipment will be incrementally deployed and will evolve to meet the needs of the British Army, Royal Marines and Royal Air Force land forces.