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
ODU RT

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
Security & Policing 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
ECS leaderboard banner
Indian Air Force instructors to train RAF pilots

Defence

Indian Air Force instructors to train RAF pilots

13 February 2026

The UK and India have agreed to further enhance military training engagements following the conclusion of the 19th UK-India Air Staff Talks in New Delhi yesterday.

ST Engineering Antycip extends MyIG beyond simulation

Defence

ST Engineering Antycip extends MyIG beyond simulation

13 February 2026

ST Engineering Antycip (Antycip) has announced major updates to its in-house image generator, MyIG, opening new possibilities in the virtual reality (VR) space while retaining its core role in simulation.

Cranfield appoints Prof Mark Westwood as Director of Defence and Security

Defence Security

Cranfield appoints Prof Mark Westwood as Director of Defence and Security

13 February 2026

Professor Mark Westwood has been appointed the new Director of Theme for Defence and Security at Cranfield University, a post he will take up on 1st March 2026.

UK to lead multinational cyber defence exercise from Singapore

Defence Security Events

UK to lead multinational cyber defence exercise from Singapore

13 February 2026

The UK will lead the multinational defensive cyber exercise Defence Cyber Marvel (DCM) 2026, a multilateral cyber defence exercise conducted by the British Army Cyber Association.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle
Milanion signs partnership agreements at WDS 2026

Defence Events

Milanion signs partnership agreements at WDS 2026

13 February 2026

Milanion Group has expanded its future-capability development roadmap with the signing of two strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoU)at the World Defense Show 2026.

Rotron to be acquired by Ondas

Defence

Rotron to be acquired by Ondas

12 February 2026

UK-based advanced defence technology company Rotron, has entered into a strategic agreement under which it will be acquired by Ondas Inc., enabling the next phase of Rotron’s growth as a global provider of long-range autonomous defence systems.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle
Advertisement
General Atomics LB