Churchill Medal shortlist 2025

71(IR) Sqn – Additive Manufacturing Cell – Pj WARHOL

71(IR) Sqn – Additive Manufacturing Cell – Pj WARHOL is a small, niche, highly skilled team producing cutting-edge Additive Manufacturing (AM) products using industry-leading machinery and techniques to design and manufacture complex metallic and polymer components for on and off aircraft application. The six-person team comprises diverse engineering disciplines, each contributing equally to ensure parts and components are produced to exacting standards.

The team achieved notable success in producing the first metallic 3D printed component to fly on an RAF Typhoon. This component enabled the aircraft to return to flying significantly ahead of the scheduled repair, highlighting the effectiveness of the AM solution. The team continue to innovate and provide solutions to increasingly more challenging problems

Damascened Peacock Malware Analysis Team

Damascened Peacock Malware Analysis Team is a collection of individuals from across the Cyber and Specialist Operations Command (CSOC); MOD Core Network Security Operations Centre (SOC), Depth Analysis Malware team and the Cyber Threat Intelligence Cell. They are shortlisted for their work on identifying and rectify a threat to Defence. When CSOC became aware of a spearfishing campaign targeting MOD personnel, a team was set up to identify, analysis and remediate the threat. Analysis revealed this sample was a new piece of malware never seen before and the team were able to pass detail to ensure wider government could protect themselves against the threat. The team operates 24/7/365 ‘always on’, dedicated to monitoring, defending, and protecting networks on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

ASGARD Tent3 Networks Team

ASGARD Tent3 Networks Team is shortlisted for their role in delivering a rapid capability uplift to 4 Brigade for their readiness as the Forward Land Force (Estonia). A complex problem, limited budget and tight timeframe required technical understanding, innovative thinking, tenacity and a strong will to get the job done. Faced with limited range due to the terrain, no voice or data interoperability with Allies, and limited situational awareness on the ground, the team scoured the market, engaged with industry and analysed options to identify what was possible. They produced solutions that allowed the ability to sense further, make more informed decisions quicker, and effect more rapidly. This increased survivability and multiplied lethality providing, game-changing advances in capability on the battlefield.

Signaller Shaun Acar

Signaller Shaun Acar is a specialist engineer supporting globally deployed networks. He is shortlisted for created an automated tool to manage the Falcon military communication network more efficiently, streamlining a lengthy manual process for monitoring and organising network systems that used to take ten hours each week. By using a programming language he taught himself, he created a tool that automates the entire process with minimal user input and cut the process down to under twenty minutes, greatly improving reliability and freeing up engineers to focus on more complex issues. 

His role enables him to make meaningful contributions, and he takes pride in representing the Squadron and showcasing its innovative work, highlighting creativity in Defence communications.

Warrant Officer Class 2 Michael Miller

Warrant Officer Class 2 Michael Miller is shortlisted for his development of a low-cost, innovative system that enables the remote operation of commercial tools, already issued within EOD Units, for use in high-risk chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, explosive (CBRNE) environments. His design allows tools such as cutters and decontamination sprayers to be safely operated at distance, reducing the need for personnel to enter hazardous areas. Working largely in his own time and with minimal funding, WO2 Miller adapted existing in-service equipment to fill a key capability gap. His work has the potential to deliver major improvements in safety, cost-efficiency, and sustainability across Defence EOD operations.

His role has required expertise in high-risk environments, technical problem-solving, and close inter-agency coordination. Throughout his career, he has focused on improving safety and effectiveness across EOD operations.