DE&S specialists at Defence Munitions sites throughout the UK are responsible for the assembly, integration, testing and storage of complex weapons and general munitions.

Currently, staff work in custom-fitted processing facilities where mobile internet and standard Wi-Fi are not permitted due to the safety risks of using radio transmissions around the complex weapons being stored there.

This lack of connectivity can significantly impact their productivity, as staff cannot access online technical documentation, operation notes and test plans, and are prevented from real-time collaboration on munitions information-sharing and training with delivery teams and design authorities.

However, early signs from a pilot taking place at Defence Munitions Gosport are that Light Fidelity (Li-Fi) technology could prove to be a viable alternative for connecting teams at specialist facilities where Wi-Fi is not an option.

The pilot is assessing how easy the Li-Fi technology is to use, its performance and the stability of the signal it creates around Defence Munitions Gosport. It has been facilitated by the DE&S Weapons Operating Centre and is being run by DE&S Digital and UK Strategic Command Defence Digital, in conjunction with Consolite Technology Ltd and Centiant International Ltd.

Nick Rice, CEO at Consolite Technology, said:

“There are many reasons why Wi-Fi poses a problem for military users. Li-Fi provides radio frequency-free wireless data for explosive atmospheres, as we see in Gosport. Li-Fi also provides data where increased cyber security protection is desirable, and typically much faster data, more than 10 times the sort of speeds we see in our homes. The Gosport team have done a fantastic job in making their trial fully operational to demonstrate the many benefits of Li-Fi. We’re delighted to be part of this project.”

Pete Forder, Defence Munitions Digital lead at DE&S, said:

“The Li-Fi proof of concept trial has been a great success and is potentially game-changing in terms of digital optimisation within our hazardous explosives processing and storage facilities. Introducing this new technology in our unique operating environment has relied on excellent Defence and industry teamwork and collaboration throughout, which further demonstrates the ‘One Defence’ mindset.”

The intention of the pilot is to support wider deployment of Li-Fi throughout Defence Munitions sites to drive greater efficiencies and cost savings. It will also feed into the innovative technologies being employed by DE&S to improve productivity and working practices. The pilot is due to conclude in late-2024 and its results will be used to inform future investments.

Tom Brickell, a Defence Digital Innovation Architect within UK Strategic Command, said:

“The lack of connectivity in specialist areas at Defence Munitions sites can significantly disrupt core activity, so being able to bring new optical wireless communications technologies like Li-Fi to complex environments has been a real game changer,” said . “It’s opened up new possibilities for Defence Munitions such as video conferencing with manufacturers, which is very rewarding.”

DE&S Digital team leader Steven Hodson added:

“This is a great example of DE&S Digital and UK Strategic Command joining forces for to deliver a tactical pilot that offers huge potential benefits within the Defence Munitions space. We are demonstrating that collaborative working will offer the opportunity to deliver cutting-edge digital solutions to our mission partners.”