A set of innovative new systems designed to autonomously detect security breaches have undergone testing at Winfrith, Dorset’s former nuclear reactor test site.

The four systems, put forward by four different suppliers, variously make use of unmanned ground vehicles (UVGs) and unmanned aerial systems (UASs).

These latest trials came as the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) looks to leverage technology in its work to shut down the UK’s earliest nuclear sites safely, securely and sustainably.

Andrew Gray, innovation delivery manager at the NDA, said: “This project marks an exciting milestone in our commitment to innovation, utilising cutting-edge technology to improve threat detection and response.

“These demonstrator programmes are key in delivering benefit groupwide, capturing and sharing learning so that future deployments can be accelerated.

“Winfrith has been selected as it’s a lower risk site where we’ve removed most of the hazardous material, so that when traditional nuclear security measures are no longer proportionate, we can move quickly and reduce costs overall in the longer term.

“The insights gained throughout the trial will be invaluable in exploring how these systems could be deployed in real-world applications, potentially revolutionising security operations.”

The £2 million NDA-funded project will run throughout 2025 and is being delivered in collaboration with the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) team, Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS) security projects and the Winfrith site.

Four external suppliers – Operational Solutions Ltd, Espanaro Ltd, ISS Aerospace and Archangel Imaging – have all been sponsored to trial their concept systems.

Rob Coan, site manager at Winfrith, added: “The project is the first large-scale active demonstrator on an NRS site.

“By testing these advanced technologies in real-world operational conditions, we aim to significantly enhance security capabilities while exploring new pathways to safeguard vital infrastructure.”