General Dynamics' EDGE UK® facility officially opened by COO of MoD's Defence Equipment and Support organisation

EDGE UK® will provide a collaborative environment for business technology innovation between industry, academia and the government

General Dynamics United Kingdom Limited opened its pioneering defence innovation centre today, Thursday 30 October 2008. The opening ceremony was conducted by Andrew Tyler, Chief Operating Officer of the MoD’s Defence Equipment and Support (DEandS) organisation.

EDGET® UK provides a collaborative environment for Britain’s knowledge-based industries to join new equipment and software with existing defence communications and information technology systems, facilitating speedy assessment and refinement of emerging capabilities for the armed forces and security services. Fifteenhigh-tech companies, including Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs), are already involved.

"EDGE UK® enables SMEs to gain a competitive edge in developing their innovations rapidly into capability that can be fielded," said Dr Sandy Wilson, President and Managing Director of General Dynamics UK. "This research and demonstration environment is a first for Britain's high-tech industries."

Andrew Tyler said: "In procuring the best kit for the armed forces, it is vital for us to stay at the cutting edge of technology. To do this, we must develop the physical and virtual infrastructure that will enable the defence community to work more closely with small niche businesses, academia and the major defence companies. EDGE UK® is an excellent initiative with great promise, and I am delighted to declare it open for business."