Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • DASA launches Phase Two of Innovation in Support of Operations competition

Defence

DASA launches Phase Two of Innovation in Support of Operations competition

The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) has launched Phase Two of its fast paced Themed Competition Innovation in Support of Operations.


Image courtesy DASA

Run on behalf of the Ministry of Defence, this competition is looking for innovative proposals that are cost competitive, designed for manufacture, and can be scaled in an approximate 12-month timeframe.

Competition key information

(All above time BST)

DASA expects proposals to cost no more than £350,000
A number of proposals may be funded

The UK Government continuously evaluates insights from global events, to rapidly implement solutions that strengthen military and economic advantage and the competition aims to identify and accelerate innovative solutions and techniques, ensuring they can be scaled and deployed faster than our adversaries.

Advertisement
Tritax 300x250

Competition challenges
Competition's five new challenge areas:

  1. UAS Propulsion
    In this challenge area DASA are looking for:
    - Novel means of propulsion for small to medium UAS.
    - Novel means of manufacture/design of traditional UAS engines for small to medium UAS to increase scale of manufacture at a market leading price.
     
  2. 155mm Artillery Barrel Repair/Recondition

    DASA are looking for innovative solutions to repair, recondition and extend barrel life.
     

  3. Autonomous navigation systems for UAS and USVs

    In this challenge DASA are seeking autonomous navigation systems for air vehicles and/or maritime surface vessels.
     

  4. Seekers
    DASA are looking for novel systems directed against:
    - RF transmitters at frequencies ranging from 200 MHz to 40 GHz
    - Class I(d), Class II and Class III UAS
    - Medium to large maritime surface targets.
     
  5. UAS defeat
    This challenge relates to the ability to:
    - Detect UAS. We are seeking solutions to detect (and potentially defeat) UAS, including those that are not   reliant on RF links.
    - Destroy UAS.  We are looking for novel solutions to destroy UAVs around the Class 1(d) size, once detected.
Advertisement
Leonardo animated rectangle

These challenges are designed to identify innovations that could be deployed, at an appropriate scale, in operational areas within 12 months.

For full details of the competition Challenge Areas, please read the Competition Document
Technology Readiness Levels (TRL)

For this competition DASA are seeking technology output and demonstration to reach technology readiness level (TRL) 6 by the end of the project.

For full Competition Document and to submit a proposal:
www.gov.uk/government/publications/competition-innovation-in-support-of-operations-phase-2
 

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
British designed satellites successfully launched

Defence Security Space

British designed satellites successfully launched

3 December 2025

A cluster of British designed and built satellites has been successfully launched into low Earth orbit, providing defence, security and civil sectors with UK space-based intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance to enhance the nation’s ability to protect against modern threats.

PLEXSYS and OneArc formalise partnership

Defence

PLEXSYS and OneArc formalise partnership

2 December 2025

PLEXSYS has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with BAE Systems OneArc on the opening day of I/ITSEC 2025 in Orlando, Florida.

BAE Systems reaches training milestone

Defence

BAE Systems reaches training milestone

2 December 2025

As BAE Systems announces that applications for its 2026 apprenticeship intake are open, the company has reached a record achievement with more than 6,800 young people in training across its UK operations.

Digital Catapult advances accelerator programme

Defence

Digital Catapult advances accelerator programme

2 December 2025

Digital Catapult has named five startups that will join its accelerator programme to improve industrial supply chain resilience in the defence industry and drive the practical application of deep tech innovation to equip the sector to be future ready.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Jim Carter appointed Director General C&I by NAD Group

Defence

Jim Carter appointed Director General C&I by NAD Group

2 December 2025

The National Armaments Director (NAD) Group has appointed Jim Carter as permanent Director General for Commercial and Industry (C&I) following an external competition.

Anotec achieves JOSCAR accreditation

Aerospace Defence

Anotec achieves JOSCAR accreditation

2 December 2025

Advanced surface coating specialist Anotec has strengthened its compliance across aerospace and defence, by achieving JOSCAR accreditation.

Advertisement
Tritax 300x250