What's Happening?
Roke has been awarded a £20m contract to optimize Project Zodiac for the British Army. Project Zodiac aims to update the Army's intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) systems by unifying sensors, decision-makers, and effectors within a cohesive network. Roke has been the principal contractor since 2021, developing a minimum viable product and collaborating with the Army to enhance the solution. The project supports the 2025 Strategic Defence Review objectives, enhancing interoperability with NATO allies and addressing state-level threats.
Why It's Important?
Project Zodiac is crucial for modernizing the British Army's ISTAR capabilities, improving command and control operations on the battlefield. The initiative enhances the Army's ability to operate in contested spaces and supports digital initiatives like the Digital Targeting Web. By digitizing processes traditionally done manually, Zodiac increases operational efficiency and effectiveness. The project's success will bolster the Army's strategic capabilities and strengthen its position within NATO.
What's Next?
Roke will continue to refine Project Zodiac based on user feedback from battlefield exercises. The company aims to deliver iterative improvements to the software over the next 12 months. The project will play a vital role in the Army's Recce-Strike vision, enhancing its lethality and operational capabilities. Continued collaboration with the Army will ensure the project's alignment with strategic objectives and its successful deployment in future exercises.
