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
PTC rectangle

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
Gulfstream banner
Anti-drone tech patents surge

Aerospace Defence Security

Anti-drone tech patents surge

19 March 2026

The number of patent applications for anti-drone (counter-UAV) technologies filed globally increased by 27% to 126 last year*, up from 99 the year before, according to new research from intellectual property (IP) law firm Mathys & Squire.

Marshall Aerospace secures five SAIL Mark projects

Aerospace Defence Security

Marshall Aerospace secures five SAIL Mark projects

18 March 2026

Marshall Aerospace is advancing it expertise in the UK’s fast-growing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) sector after securing five separate SAIL Mark assessment projects funded by Innovate UK and the Department for Transport.

UK engineers advance innovative way to tackle drone threats

Defence Security

UK engineers advance innovative way to tackle drone threats

18 March 2026

A team of UK based engineers is developing a new way of eliminating hostile drones.

Babcock and S.A.F.E. forge training partnership

Defence

Babcock and S.A.F.E. forge training partnership

18 March 2026

Babcock International Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Belgian defence company S.A.F.E. to explore collaboration on international training opportunities.

Advertisement
ODU RT
SEA to provide training and support to Royal Malaysian Navy

Defence

SEA to provide training and support to Royal Malaysian Navy

18 March 2026

SEA has been awarded contract with Lumut Naval Shipyard (LUNAS) to provide in-country training and support to the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), enhance its operational readiness, availability and capability.

JFD opens new Singapore facility

Defence Security

JFD opens new Singapore facility

18 March 2026

Provider of specialist marine and defence solutions, James Fisher and Sons plc (JFD Global), has expanded its Asia Pacific footprint with the official opening of a new facility in Singapore.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner