Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • DASA initiative to accelerate innovative UK defence solutions

Defence

DASA initiative to accelerate innovative UK defence solutions

The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) has announced the launch of a new Early Market Engagement (EME) pilot initiative for the Ministry of Defence (MoD) on the theme of Uncrewed Systems.

Image courtesy DASA

This pilot aims to collaboratively curate problems alongside industry and academia to determine whether a full competition in this area is required. The initial pilot will concentrate on two critical sub-systems of Uncrewed Systems:

Why is Early Market Engagement needed?
The MoD Innovation Directorate and Defence Suppliers Forum (DSF) are collaborating with industry to improve Defence’s capacity to turn innovative solutions into needed capabilities. The EME pilot will collect insights from industry experts to better understand specific problem areas. This proactive strategy aims to challenge problems and identify potential solutions that could rapidly deliver capability for defence. The DASA Early Market Engagement initiative forms part of the MoD’s overall intent to improve its engagement with industry and market early on their capability challenges.

Advertisement
ODU RT

For prospective suppliers, participating in the EME workshops will provide an opportunity to understand, engage with and contribute to the MoD’s problem challenge areas. Although this does not guarantee that a competition will take place afterwards, this advance notice enables suppliers to consider the potential development of new or enhanced existing offerings.

Who can attend?
The EME workshops welcome participants from both industry and academia. Workshop attendance is limited to one person per company and the attendee must have a good understanding of the problem space and the relevant technology that their company has. The workshops will function as open forums, and participants must be prepared to engage in discussions. Please note that these workshops will be conducted at OFFICIAL classification.

You can find further details about the pilot and full details of the problem statements in the Early Market Engagement document.

Workshop dates and registration:
The EME workshops will take place in three locations over six dates as shown below, to apply to attend a workshop visit the Eventbrite page. Applications close at 12:00 midday on 31st October 2024 (GMT).

Advertisement
ODU RT

Bristol:
    Position, Navigation & Timing (PNT) - 19th November 2024
    Low-cost, Fast Engines - 20 November 2024

London:
    Position, Navigation & Timing (PNT) – 26th November 2024
    Low-cost, Fast Engines – 27 November 2024

Newcastle:
    Position, Navigation & Timing (PNT) - 12th November 2024
    Low-cost, Fast Engines - 13 November 2024

For more information read the full Early Market Engagement document to learn more.

Advertisement
Gulfstream banner
Babcock awarded LAFT contract extension

Defence

Babcock awarded LAFT contract extension

8 April 2026

Babcock International Group has been awarded a four year extension to its Light Aircraft Flying Task (LAFT) contract, continuing its delivery of essential military flying training to the Royal Air Force (RAF).

Vietnam Helicopter Corporation bolsters offshore operations with Airbus

Defence

Vietnam Helicopter Corporation bolsters offshore operations with Airbus

8 April 2026

The Vietnam Helicopter Corporation (VNH)’s subsidiaries, Southern Vietnam Helicopter Company (VNH South) and Northern Vietnam Helicopter Company (VNH North), have placed an order for three Airbus H225 helicopters, to support the continued expansion of its offshore energy operations, and progressively replace ageing aircraft in its fleet.

New helicopter capability delivered to British Army in Brunei

Defence

New helicopter capability delivered to British Army in Brunei

7 April 2026

Two Airbus Helicopters UK (Airbus) H145 Jupiter HC Mk2 helicopters have been delivered to the British Army in Brunei as part of a £148 million MOD programme marking the start of their journey as modern, reliable capability for operations.

FAC reviews TEKEVER

Aerospace Defence Security Events

FAC reviews TEKEVER's progress in the UK

7 April 2026

Senior representatives from the Farnborough Aerospace Consortium (FAC) recently visited AI-centric autonomous systems provider TEKEVER to see how the Portuguese company is progressing with its UK businesses.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Alexander Battery Technologies expands technical team

Aerospace Defence Security

Alexander Battery Technologies expands technical team

7 April 2026

UK battery pack manufacturer Alexander Battery Technologies has appointed five engineers and a project manager as it expands its technical team.

Babcock confirms location of Capability Centre in Plymouth

Defence

Babcock confirms location of Capability Centre in Plymouth

2 April 2026

Babcock has today confirmed the location for its new Capability Centre in Plymouth - a major milestone in plans to relocate up to 2,000 highly skilled employees into the heart of the city.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner