TECHWATCH 16

QinetiQ at DSEI 2025: Innovation for future warfare

Innovation for Future Warfare—showcasing how cutting-edge science and technology are accelerating defence transformation. From AI-driven capability development to resilient navigation systems and uncrewed platforms, QinetiQ demonstrated its mission-led approach to creating, testing, and deploying solutions that meet the evolving demands of modern warfare.

Accelerating mission-led innovation

Innovation at mission speed—explore how defence is evolving to meet global challenges through purpose-driven, agile innovation. As threats grow more complex and timelines compress, mission-led approaches are enabling faster, more focused solutions—bringing together technology, expertise, and collaboration to deliver real-world impact where it matters most.

Voice controlled drones

From spoken commands to swarm control—explore how voice interfaces are reshaping drone operations in future battlespaces.

Self-levitating sensors

From sunlight to situational awareness—discover how airborne micro-disks could transform battlefield sensing.

Can fish scales protect hypersonic vehicles?

From sea to sky: flexible, scale-like structures may hold the key to protecting hypersonic vehicles in extreme operational environments.

Absolute superconducting switch

From energy-saving RAM to quantum resilience—discover the superconducting breakthrough reshaping future defence platforms.

Using autonomous systems to monitor the Arctic

Cold, remote, and contested—see how self-sustaining systems could unlock persistent monitoring across polar regions.

Can scorpions inspire better robotic sensors?

Inspired by nature, engineered for defence. Could scorpion-based sensing transform robotics in hazardous environments?

Biopolymer tissue repair

Healing at the speed of innovation: biopolymer technologies offer new hope for trauma care in defence and remote operations.

Brain computer interface

In the future battlespace, thought alone could direct drones, robots, and remote systems. Explore the AI breakthrough that could make this possible.

Computers with nearly zero energy consumption?

Could reversible computing reshape defence systems? Explore the bold vision for ultra-efficient processors with near-zero energy use.

How IoT technology is optimising green energy systems in cold climates

Smart sensors in the snow—explore how IoT is powering reliable, green energy in remote and frozen defence outposts.

Mapping the battlefield from a kilometre away

Mapping the battlespace with millimetre precision—learn how photon-sensitive LiDAR is reshaping defence sensing and decision-making.

Space-borne perception and intelligence

Securing the seabed—see how hydrophones, sonar, and digital twins are transforming underwater threat detection for defence.

Protecting vital underwater infrastructure

Securing the seabed—see how hydrophones, sonar, and digital twins are transforming underwater threat detection for defence.

Cleared for take-off with sustainable cold-ready jet fuel

Cleaner skies, longer missions—learn how cold-ready biofuels could transform air power and sustainability in defence.

Diamonds – a powerful new chance to shine

Diamonds in defence—explore how next-gen semiconductors could power high-voltage systems in extreme environments.

3D printing of ceramics for AUKUS submarines

Precision, speed, and resilience—discover how ceramic AM is powering next-gen submarine components for AUKUS operations.

Moth eye technology enhances sapphire lenses

From fog to glare, biomimetic sapphire lenses offer cleaner, clearer vision for sensors and scopes in demanding environments.