We carry out research and deliver postgraduate and specialist courses in science, technology and management for the defence and security sector. 

We are the academic provider to the Defence Academy and also undertake complementary business for the Ministry of Defence and other organisations in the UK and worldwide.

Our capabilities include teaching on aspects of defence related technology at postgraduate level, including aspects of manufacturing, most notably:

  • Manufacture of explosive compositions;

  • Weapon manufacture;

  • Weapon technology manufacture advice;

  • Health and usage monitoring systems;

  • Supply chain management and logistics management and planning.

Our research covers the manufacture of explosive compositions and weapon systems of most natures. This research can include fabrication of one-off test and development weapon items such as weapons (e.g. small arms) components, warheads and munitions.

Research is active in Health and Usage Monitoring Systems (HUMS), including:

  • HUMS systems technology and use;
  • Predictive maintenance and prognostics for through-life support effectiveness;
  • Condition monitoring and condition based maintenance.

We also offer research expertise in supply chain management and logistics management and planning.

We work in these areas with a number of organisations including Chemring Ltd, Dstl, MBDA Ltd and the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD).

About our research

Our research is highly regarded internationally and our academics are called upon to undertake progressive research projects and to provide impartial, expert advice on their subjects. Our approach to research and consultancy projects is flexible. While our main areas of research are defence and security, we often apply our knowledge to other sectors or to bring together multidisciplinary teams combining the skills of a number of academic areas.

Our research influences and informs the global defence and security sector. Forged through a distinctive blend of expertise, experience and facilities, we are leaders in defence and security research.

Our facilities

Cranfield University has the capability to manufacture and develop small quantities of explosive compositions on-site and uses these to offer courses on manufacturing at all scales.

There are, uniquely, on-site workshops and a munition filling capability. We also offer weapon manufacture expertise and can fabricate one-off test and development weapon items such as weapons (eg. small arms) components, warheads and munitions in the on-site workshops.

Working with us

The University offers a unique capability in the defence field in the United Kingdom (UK). The expertise in weapons and explosive compositions is used by UK MoD and its agencies and by industry to advise and help develop new capabilities. It is also used to support safety and risk assessment activities in this potentially hazardous area.

Our capability in supporting weapon manufacture has provided advice to UK government and industry. As does the expertise in Health and Usage Monitoring Systems (HUMS) which provides advice HUMS systems technology and use including predictive maintenance and prognostics for through-life support effectiveness. Our courses are attended by professionals from throughout the world.

We have active collaborative research with industrial partners to develop new systems and methods. We can work simply as subcontractors or as direct partners developing and agreeing research activities in phased programmes. We also work with partners in joint externally funded activities and under wider Memorandum of Understanding's (MoUs). Our site is a secure site which can operate at classified levels.

Our consultancy covers:
• Manufacture of explosive compositions, weapon systems of most natures
• Health and Usage Monitoring Systems
• Supply chain management and logistics management and planning.