DE&S helps deliver lethal digital-targeting web system

Image courtesy DE&S

The ‘Dismounted Data System’ (DDS), developed under Project ASGARD with support from Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), was recently trialled by the British Army during NATO exercises in Estonia. The system harnesses artificial intelligence (AI) and innovative communication technologies, allowing battlefield decisions that once took hours to now be made in minutes.

The development of the DDS is part of the British Army’s commitment to achieving a tenfold increase in lethality over the next decade by leveraging advancements in firepower, surveillance technology, autonomy, digital connectivity and data.

Using a novel acquisition approach, Project ASGARD was first announced by the Defence Secretary in October 2024 and has progressed at an unprecedented pace. Contracts were awarded in January 2025 and a prototype capability was deployed just four months later during NATO Exercise Hedgehog in Estonia.

Project ASGARD comprises multiple components, with the DDS being the first major element to be tested and delivered. This system enhances the UK and NATO armies’ lethality by improving targeting precision and significantly reducing decision-making time.

Members of the UK Defence Innovation, Prove and Exploit team, which recently transitioned from DE&S to become part of the National Armaments Director Group, collaborated with Defence Digital to deliver the technology to the British Army. Their efforts ensured the capability was delivered to soldiers just months after the contract was awarded.

Head of the UK Defence Innovation, Prove and Exploit team, James Gavin, said: “ASGARD is a great example of how collaboration between the Army, DE&S, Defence Digital, and UK industry can accelerate technology into operational use, doubling the Army’s lethality on the battlefield and securing our position as a modern fighting force alongside our NATO allies. This is an example of how defence is adapting and delivering rapidly to meet the ever-evolving needs of a modern army.”

ASGARD is a direct result of the commitments outlined in the recent Strategic Defence Review (SDR) to create a wider digital targeting web. This web will connect military weapons systems, enabling faster and more effective battlefield decisions for targeting enemy threats. Under current plans, the digital targeting web – backed by more than £1 billion in funding – will be fully delivered by 2027.

Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Roly Walker, said: “Project ASGARD proves we can do things differently. It’s not just a pathfinder for transformation, it’s a transformation in how we find, fund and fight with cutting-edge capabilities.

“This quick turnaround was achieved through collaboration between industry technicians and military tradecraft experts, bringing together a consortium of military, civil service and industry partners to deliver the best possible product in the shortest amount of time.”

Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Rt Hon Maria Eagle MP, added: “We are learning the lessons from Ukraine so our frontline personnel can strike further and faster, maintaining an advantage over our adversaries.

“ASGARD exemplifies the vision of the Strategic Defence Review, with speed and world-class capability achieved by bringing together military, Government and industry professionals with a focus on rapid frontline delivery."