Peter Briggs, Senior Principal Engineer in Positioning, Navigation and Timing at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) has been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours list 2025. He has been made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).

The prestigious honour acknowledges Peter’s significant contributions to the UK’s defence and security capabilities through his expert work in Positioning, Navigation and Timing technologies at Dstl.

During his 23-year career at Dstl, he has led numerous groundbreaking projects that have enhanced the resilience of the UK’s critical navigation systems, developed countermeasures against emerging threats and strengthened collaboration with international partners.

On hearing about his award Peter said:

I am amazed and proud to receive this honour for the work I’ve done over my career. I’d like to thank all of my incredible colleagues, both nationally and internationally, that I have worked with and learnt from over the years. Their team effort has led to me proudly receiving this honour.

The recognition comes as Dstl teams have also received Vice Chief of Defence Staff (VCDS) commendations for their exceptional work on critical defence projects.

Dr Paul Hollinshead, Dstl’s Chief Executive, said:

This well-deserved honour recognises Peter’s exceptional technical leadership and innovation in critical defence technologies. His work has significantly enhanced the UK’s security capabilities and represents the outstanding talent we have at Dstl.  

We’re especially proud that our teams have also been recognised through the Vice Chief of Defence Staff commendations, which highlight the crucial contribution Dstl makes to national security through cutting-edge research and collaboration with military and industry partners.

Taskforce Spirit commendation recognises international collaboration

A combined Dstl and Ministry of Defence (MOD) team has been commended for supporting allies with leading-edge expertise to help develop long-term military capability.

Taskforce Spirit developed and delivered innovative wargaming, modelling and analytical techniques to inform critical capability priorities and investment decisions, helping to generate forces fit for the future operating environment.

The work, conducted alongside allies and partners, has enhanced the UK’s reputation in the Strategic Force Development arena and contributed to United Kingdom National Security Objectives to counter global threats and support UK interests and influence.

Dstl Strategic Force Analysis team recognised for Strategic Defence Review work

Dstl’s Strategic Force Analysis team has also received a commendation for their crucial role in providing the MOD with force design and capability evidence to inform the Strategic Defence Review (SDR).

Between August 2024 and January 2025, the team developed coherent candidate Defence Force Structures representing different policy choices, costed principal alternatives, and explored variations as requested by Defence Reviewers. Their work ensured senior management understood the challenges and choices available to Defence, drawing praise from the Chief of Defence Staff.

Multidisciplinary team receives Vice Chief of Defence Staff commendation

A multidisciplinary team including Dstl scientists has received a prestigious VCDS commendation for their work on a complex flight test event conducted in the US in late 2024.

The successful trial tested multiple technologies and concepts to improve air survivability in a complex Anti-Access Area Denial (A2AD) environment. The whole-force collaboration included elements from the RAF Rapid Capabilities Office, Air and Space Warfare Centre, Dstl and industry partners.  

Dstl continues to play a vital role in science and technology innovation for the UK’s defence and security, with experts like Peter Briggs and the commended teams demonstrating the organisation’s world-class capabilities and contributions to national security.