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
ODU RT

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
Milanion and RPAL expand Indonesian Navy USV programme

Defence Events

Milanion and RPAL expand Indonesian Navy USV programme

19 June 2026

At Eurosatory 2026 in Paris this week, Milanion Group and PT Republik Palindo Internasional (RPAL) agreed a significant expansion of their unmanned surface vessel (USV) programme for the Indonesian Navy, signing a new collaboration agreement that builds on a live contract already in implementation.

ADS appoints Matthew Reynolds as CIO

Aerospace Defence Security Space Events

ADS appoints Matthew Reynolds as CIO

19 June 2026

ADS Group - parent organisation of trade association ADS and Farnborough International - has appointed Matthew Reynolds as its Chief Information Officer (CIO).

Leonardo awarded critical aircraft spares NAD contract

Defence

Leonardo awarded critical aircraft spares NAD contract

19 June 2026

The National Armaments Director (NAD) Group has awarded a £27 million contract to Leonardo (UK) Ltd to supply critical aircraft consumable spares across the UK’s entire fixed-wing and rotary-wing fleet.

New training targets installed at Holbeach

Defence

New training targets installed at Holbeach

18 June 2026

Two new repurposed marine vessel targets have been successfully delivered and installed at Holbeach Air Weapons Range (AWR), to enhance Defence training.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Serco and StaplesVR partner on immersive training for NZDF

Defence

Serco and StaplesVR partner on immersive training for NZDF

18 June 2026

Serco New Zealand recently formalised a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with StaplesVR, bringing together immersive technology and operational training expertise to support the future training capabilities of the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF).

BAE Systems awarded US Army M109A7 Paladin contract

Defence

BAE Systems awarded US Army M109A7 Paladin contract

17 June 2026

BAE Systems has received a contract award valued at $535 million to produce additional M109A7 Paladin Self-Propelled Howitzers and M992A3 Ammunition Carriers for the US Army.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
General Atomics LB