Churchill Medal shortlist 2026
A message from The Churchill Medal Panel:
The following three nominations recognise outstanding contributions to the introduction of the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS), an anti-UAV capability into Service.
Collectively, they represent excellence across the capability lifecycle, from initial assurance and integration through to operational employment. While supporting the same capability, each nomination reflects achievement in a distinct area:
- Test, Evaluation and Airworthiness Assurance
- Leadership and Capability Integration
- Operationalisation and Safe Service Entry
41 Test and Evaluation Squadron – Trials and Modifications Team
The Trials and Modifications Team of 41 Test and Evaluation Squadron delivered the development, test and evaluation, integration and engineering assurance that enabled the rapid integration of Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System onto Typhoon aircraft.
Working at unprecedented pace, the team designed and executed a compressed programme of trials, analysis and evidence generation to prove the capability’s safety, effectiveness and operational suitability. Despite significant technical challenges, they maintained the highest standards of airworthiness and engineering integrity while accelerating delivery from concept to combat-ready capability.
Their expertise provided the assurance necessary to field a critical counter-drone capability and delivered an immediate enhancement to the protection of UK and allied forces.
Wing Commander Mike Tysome
Wing Commander Mike Tysome displayed exceptional engineering leadership in delivering Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System integration onto Typhoon in response to an urgent operational requirement.
Leading a complex programme involving MOD, industry and airworthiness authorities, he aligned stakeholders behind a common objective and drove delivery in just eight weeks. Through outstanding technical judgement, influence and determination, he resolved significant integration and qualification challenges without compromising safety.
His leadership transformed a novel concept into a credible, affordable and operationally effective capability, establishing a new benchmark for rapid capability delivery. His vision and personal commitment directly enhanced the protection of UK and allied forces.
APKWS Weapon Preparation Team
The RUAS APKWS Weapon Preparation Team enabled the safe introduction of Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System into frontline service by creating the procedures, equipment and training required to support operational deployment.
Working from limited guidance and within demanding timescales, they adapted US processes to meet UK explosive regulations, developed bespoke tooling, designed transport solutions and established training packages for personnel. Their innovation, technical expertise and commitment to safety ensured full regulatory compliance while allowing the rapid generation of operational capability.
By transforming a newly integrated weapon into a deployable and sustainable service asset, they delivered a vital contribution to operational readiness.
Flt Lt Di
Having commissioned from the ranks as a Trade Group 1 Armourer, Di drew on her extensive front-line weapons experience to solve a critical weapons loading challenge, that had previously cost Defence several millions in damaged munitions.
She designed and delivered a pioneering Meteor missile loading adaptor that now enables Typhoon rearming using existing portable equipment, reducing logistical footprint by over 90%, improving loading efficiency and safety, and enhancing operational agility. Working without dedicated funding, Di developed a compliant prototype for £70, overcoming significant technical, regulatory and governance barriers.
Now employed on operations, the adaptor improves safety, significantly reducing the risk of damage to £1.1M missiles and has enabled new operational loading techniques. Her innovation and determination transformed capability, resilience and sustainability across the Typhoon force.
High Risk Operations Cell (HROC) within the Rapid Capabilities Office (RCO)
The team exemplifies innovation and technical excellence. Faced with compressed timelines and immature prototype hardware, the team safely integrated and released a prototype Paveway IV Glide weapon from a civilian-operated MiG-29, demonstrating a novel and agile approach to capability development.
By using a commercially owned aircraft rather than scarce frontline RAF assets, the project delivered significant cost and time savings, preserved operational capacity and accelerated trial activity. Innovative engineering, bespoke rapid-manufacture solutions and rigorous risk management enabled the safe execution of a highly complex trial in a dynamic multinational environment.
The project generated critical evidence for future weapon integration, validated a repeatable model for rapid experimentation, and strengthened the RAF’s ability to develop and field new capability at pace while maintaining the highest standards of safety and assurance.
Project OGHMA
Project OGHMA team typifies exceptional engineering initiative and grassroots innovation, delivering a novel monitoring capability that is transforming assurance of Defence’s global communications and information systems.
Recognising that existing solutions were ill-suited to the modern operational requirement, this small team conceived and developed an Elastic-based architecture from the ground up, creating a scalable, secure-by-design capability spanning hundreds of points of presence across multiple security domains. Working without dedicated funding and mastering new technologies through self-directed learning, they overcame significant technical and security challenges to deliver a resilient and highly effective solution.
OGHMA provides earlier fault detection, enhanced performance insight and improved operational assurance, enabling engineering effort to be focused where it delivers greatest benefit. Importantly, the new architecture offers a repeatable baseline for wider Defence adoption, delivering enduring efficiency, cost savings and improved resilience for critical communications supporting command and operational activity worldwide.