Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • DASA offers funding for blue sky thinking

Defence Security

DASA offers funding for blue sky thinking

The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) today announced a new Innovation Focus Area (IFA) for defence, which will provide funding to innovators for even the most ‘light bulb’ of moments in revolutionary radar thinking.

Above: Collation of radar images.
Courtesy DASA

On behalf of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), DASA is seeking to find and fund new and novel concepts or technologies that have the potential to transform the UK’s radar sensing capabilities on land, at sea and in the air, whilst meeting the needs of a modern complex battlespace in the next 10-15 years.

Advertisement
ODU RT

The Armed Forces rely on radar capabilities to provide situational awareness and intelligence on a daily basis. Any concept or technology considered through this funding route must enhance the MoD’s future vision for a resilient and robust radar system that is flexible, multi-function, networked and cognitive.

The ‘open’ competition call exists to encourage anyone with a good idea that has potential to solve defence and/or security challenges to apply for funding at any time.

Although DASA remains ‘open’ to all ideas, it hopes that the new IFA will encourage those with emerging ideas in radar innovation to talk to them and submit a proposal for funding.

Advertisement
ODU RT


For further information on the latest Innovation Focus Area and to how to apply for funding, click
here
 

 

Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner
SEA to provide OSHEN with acoustic underwater monitoring capability

Defence

SEA to provide OSHEN with acoustic underwater monitoring capability

10 April 2026

SEA, part of Cohort plc Group, is supporting marine autonomy specialist OSHEN on a ZeroUSV-led project, which is exploring the deployment and development of an autonomous underwater acoustic sensing network to enhance communications with subsurface assets.

Cambridge Aerospace to deliver Skyhammer air defence systems to UK MOD

Defence

Cambridge Aerospace to deliver Skyhammer air defence systems to UK MOD

10 April 2026

In a speech by Secretary of State for Defence John Healey, the Ministry of Defence has today announced that it is purchasing a significant number of Skyhammer air defence systems from UK-headquartered scale-up Cambridge Aerospace, with deliveries starting from May. The company has committed to delivering these units to the MOD in the next six months.

BMT partners with BAE Systems on Anzac Class Designer Support Contract

Defence

BMT partners with BAE Systems on Anzac Class Designer Support Contract

9 April 2026

BMT has announced it will be engaging with BAE Systems Australia, the prime contractor for the Design Support Contract (DSC) supporting the Royal Australian Navy’s Anzac class frigates.

HENSOLDT UK secures two contracts with SRT for 50 coastal surveillance radars

Defence

HENSOLDT UK secures two contracts with SRT for 50 coastal surveillance radars

9 April 2026

Orders will deliver enhanced coastal monitoring capability using SharpEye radar technology.

Advertisement
ODU RT
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.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
Gulfstream banner