The Modular Integrated Protection System (MIPS) programme is the UK Ministry of Defence’s (MOD’s) approach for the development of a Sovereign Active Protection Capability for the UK Military Vehicle Fleet.

The current Implementation Phase is maturing the MIPS architecture standard and will provide a MIPS Controller module which allows rapid integration of survivability technology onto platforms and enables Through Life Capability Management and Technology Insertion. As Principal Systems Integrator on MIPS, Leonardo is leading a team of UK defence companies tasked with improving the survivability and protection of military vehicles in the British Army.

MIPS objectives:

• Provide active protection of combat and support vehicles using a layered approach
• Standardise fleet wide-electronic infrastructure and control software architecture, towards a new NATO STANAG 4822 Land Defensive Aids Suite (DAS) Architecture
• Enable modular sensor and effector MIPS Node fit selections, according to evolving threats and changing mission context
• Allow national defence authorities to define, deploy and rapidly refine countermeasure tactics through the MIPS model-driven software capability
• Ensure interoperability of dependable and affordable on-vehicle data network technologies to support safe, secure, precision-timed operational effects
• Define a dependable Human Machine Interface (HMI) approach to allow crew supervision of automatic, semi-automatic and manual deployment of effects; and to understand situation awareness improvements made by MIPS algorithms.

The current ‘MIPS Implementation’ contract will mature the MIPS Architecture Standard and demonstrate a MIPS Controller and MIPS Control Network to TRL 7.

Team Minerva, led by Leonardo as Principal Systems Integrator, comprises a team of leading UK defence companies including Qinetiq, GDLS, Roke Manor Research, Thales, CGI, Ultra Electronics, Frazer Nash and Leonardo, tasked with improving the survivability and protection of Land Armoured Vehicles in the British Army, as part of delivering the UK Modular Integrated Protection System (MIPS) Implementation project.

As part of the MIPS Implementation project, government and industry stakeholders in Land Vehicle Active Protection are invited to participate in the UKACIA events. These are intended to ensure the involvement of both the UK and other nations in order to ensure the latest technologies available are considered and influence the development of the MIPS programme.

To participate in UKACIA events, please indicate areas of relevant domain knowledge and interest in an email.

Attendees will be invited to events and working group meetings which will be held as either face-to-face or remotely via Teams at regular intervals throughout the Implementation Phase at nominal six monthly intervals. Participation at events is free of charge for any organisations with an involvement in the Active Protection Industry or adjacent community.