BAE Systems CORDA to provide policy analysis to UK MoD
BAE Systems CORDA is providing analysis on strategy, policy and investment challenges to the UK MoD, under a £350 million ($439 million) contract from Dstl.
The Analysis for Science and Technology Research in Defence (ASTRID) contract aims to ensure that the MoD will get the best value for money.
Any research may also be repurposed to help the UK government face similar challenges in areas other than defence.
ASTRID began in April 2020 and runs until April 2025, with the possibility of options for a further two years. It replaces the existing Analysis Support Construct framework which was managed by BAE Systems CORDA on behalf of Dstl.
Rob Solly, Dstl divisional head, said: ‘The ASTRID contract will maintain the provision of high-quality analysis to underpin decisions across MoD and our partners in wider government… We also aim to progressively and significantly exceed the MoD target of awarding 25% of work to SMEs.’
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
More from Defence Notes
-
![What does the US decision to pause Ukraine support mean for the war and the stock markets?]()
What does the US decision to pause Ukraine support mean for the war and the stock markets?
NATO and other Western countries had been singing from the same song sheet since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia three years ago but the alliance has been weakened as the new US administration under President Donald Trump pauses military aid to Ukraine.
-
![Ireland begins work on buying fighter jets and doubling the naval fleet]()
Ireland begins work on buying fighter jets and doubling the naval fleet
Since the release of Ireland’s Commission on the Defence Forces (CoDF) report two years ago there have been whisperings about the potential of Ireland buying fighter jets, one of the most ambitious recommendations. The prospect has now inched closer.
-
![UK defence budget increased to 2.5% by 2027 as geopolitical landscape darkens]()
UK defence budget increased to 2.5% by 2027 as geopolitical landscape darkens
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer raises defence spending, while both NATO and President Trump demand significant further increases.
-
![Ukraine leads the way on battlefield use of directed energy weapons]()
Ukraine leads the way on battlefield use of directed energy weapons
Increased drone use in Ukraine and in Middle Eastern conflicts has created a strong impetus to develop laser and radio-frequency firepower as exploration of direct-energy technology intensifies.
-
![Saudi Arabia eyes large procurement spend as it boosts 2025 defence budget to $78 billion]()
Saudi Arabia eyes large procurement spend as it boosts 2025 defence budget to $78 billion
The new figure is an increase from US$75.8 billion in 2024 and showcases the country’s focus on its Saudi Vision 2030 to achieve a diversified and sustainable economy, reducing the Kingdom’s dependency on oil.
