The Weapons Sector Research Framework
Framework Description
The Weapons Sector Research Framework (WSRF) is a Dstl arrangement for Ministry of Defence weapons science and technology research. In 2025 it was extended by two years to 31 March 2027, with a value of around £160 million. QinetiQ leads delivery, supported by industry partners MBDA and Thales. Applications for this framework are closed (it is not a DPS), and it has no further extension option, so 31 March 2027 is the date to plan around.
Context & Use Case
Dstl, front line commands, Weapons Evaluation and Capability Assurance (WECA) and Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) use WSRF to place research and technical contracts quickly. QinetiQ, as prime, helps shape each requirement and assembles a team from a community of industry, SMEs and academia, with MBDA and Thales as partners. It suits sustained research programmes and direct support to operational requirements.
Scope of Services
Kinetic effectors Non-kinetic effectors, including electronic warfare and cyber Sensors Architectures
Lots
See framework link
Who Can Apply
WSRF suits weapons research organisations, academic groups and technology SMEs working on kinetic or non-kinetic effectors, sensors or architectures. Suppliers can apply to become a WSRF Partner through the WSRF pages on QinetiQ's website, so joining the community is possible now, although the framework is available only until March 2027.
Buyer Benefits
Dstl gets continuity on long-running weapons research through an established lead and partners who already hold the clearances, facilities and domain knowledge. That reduces the start-up time on new research tasks and keeps sensitive programmes with a stable team. For suppliers, it shows the buyer values proven defence research capability and secure delivery over price alone.
Next Steps
Start the WSRF Partner application on QinetiQ's website and look for WSRF opportunities on the Defence Sourcing Portal. Prepare evidence of weapons-related research, facilities, clearances and relevant staff. With WSRF available until 31 March 2027 and no further extension, also watch Dstl's science and technology procurement frameworks guidance on GOV.UK for what follows it.
How Athena Can Help
WSRF Partner status gives access to tasks until March 2027, so Athena would help you join quickly and plan beyond it. Our help with partner applications sets out your capability, clearances and research track record and checks the submission before it goes in.
A bid audit from Athena shows which Dstl and MOD research routes are worth targeting after WSRF, and when a successor competition opens, our defence bid consultants support the bid/no-bid decision, compliant responses and pricing.
