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Unmanned Air Systems: Research

Asked by Edward MorelloLiberal DemocratMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 20 October 2025UIN 80816

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what funding his Department has allocated to the research and development of (a) drone detection and (b) counter-drone technologies in the last three years.

Answered by Al Carns

It is not possible to differentiate, in funding terms, between Research and Development (R&D) supporting drone detection and counter-drone technologies – our counter-drone systems R&D takes a full systems approach to support the delivery of military capability. However, through Defence’s centrally funded science and technology budget, Defence has invested a minimum of £35 million in counter-drone systems science and technology research over the past three years.

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