Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • BAE Systems to develop autonomous network tech for DARPA

Defence

BAE Systems to develop autonomous network tech for DARPA

BAE Systems has received a $24 million contract from the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to develop software that autonomously configures tactical networks for mission-critical communications as part of the Mission-Integrated Network Control (MINC) programme.

Image courtesy BAE Systems

Reliable data and communications networks are critical in modern warfare. Currently, no capability exists to dynamically control interconnected networks and ensure that warfighters can communicate across domains in contested environments.

The MINC programme seeks to build and demonstrate an integrated, advanced capability that creates a secure communications network to support multi-domain operations. Under the terms of the contract, BAE Systems’ FAST Labs research and development organisation will develop the algorithms and software to anticipate, configure and control available resources to optimise the flow of information.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle

“In today’s highly congested and contested environments, secure and adaptable multi-domain communications have never been more important,” said Brian Decleene, chief scientist at BAE Systems’ FAST Labs. “Recent research advances in networking, autonomy, and mission planning offers a unique opportunity for real-time control of the tactical network based on the mission and evolving operating environment. As a result of this programme, we'll enable the operator to deliver the right information to the right user at the right time across multiple domains and improve mission outcome.”

Advertisement
ODU RT

BAE Systems’ work on this programme leverages its robust networking, communications and autonomy portfolios, including work on multi-domain programmes such as Dynamic Network Adaptation for Mission Optimisation, Resilient Synchronised Planning and Assessment for the Contested Environment, and Adapting Cross-Domain Kill-Webs.

Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner
HMS Active completes float off feat

Defence Events

HMS Active completes float off feat

30 March 2026

Building on the momentum of February's dual milestone event at Babcock’s Rosyth site, the Type 31 frigate programme has reached another significant stage, with HMS Active completing the float-off process.

Lockheed Martin joins MTC as Tier 1 member

Defence

Lockheed Martin joins MTC as Tier 1 member

30 March 2026

Lockheed Martin has joined the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) as a Tier 1 member which will see it collaborate on core research, capabilities and investments and play a key role in managing projects that address some of the pressing challenges being faced by defence industry supply chains.

RFA Lyme Bay gets mine hunting tech upgrade

Defence

RFA Lyme Bay gets mine hunting tech upgrade

30 March 2026

The Royal Navy is stepping up its mine hunting capabilities with new cutting-edge uncrewed equipment being added to RFA Lyme Bay in the coming days.

British Army retire Land Rover fleet

Defence

British Army retire Land Rover fleet

30 March 2026

British soldiers will use a new fleet of thousands of modern vehicles, following the start of the retirement of the iconic Land Rover fleet earlier this month, after 70 years of service.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle
James Heappey joins NAD Board

Defence

James Heappey joins NAD Board

30 March 2026

Former British Minister of State for the Armed Forces from 2020 to 2024 The Rt Hon Major James Heappey has joined the board of Swedish defence tech startup Nordic Air Defence (NAD), developers of the K100XR drone interceptor for civilian and military use.

BAE Systems partners with Scale AI on agentic AI for defence

Defence

BAE Systems partners with Scale AI on agentic AI for defence

27 March 2026

BAE Systems and Scale AI have announced a strategic relationship agreement to accelerate the development and fielding of advanced artificial intelligence capabilities in support of the US Department of War’s (DoW) high-stakes mission environments and operational platforms.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
Gulfstream banner