Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • Dstl seeks industry wargame partners

Defence Events

Dstl seeks industry wargame partners

The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) is seeking potential new suppliers to help influence future wargame development, with a free 'Show and Tell' event planned on 7th November with its partners at The Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry.


Courtesy Dstl / MoD

Wargames can be used to explore tactical, operational and strategic issues across the business, security, emergency services, humanitarian and military sectors. Wargames encourage players to: think innovatively and creatively in a safe to fail environment; identify emerging issues; test hypotheses; assess alternate options and highlight the potential consequences of choices.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Under its Searchlight initiative, Dstl is looking for industry partners, especially Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to help develop innovative wargaming tools, techniques, technologies and analysis. Companies need not have any experience in the defence sector. Opportunities exist across all aspects of wargame design and analysis, especially in the field of data capture, analysis and visualisation.

Jim Squire, a Dstl Consulting Fellow, said: "Dstl is seeking to engage with non-traditional defence suppliers through its Searchlight initiative. This is a great opportunity, especially for small companies, to share knowledge and expertise and to understand the opportunities available in the defence sector in the high profile area of wargaming."

Dstl will also offer the opportunity to access its expertise and peer review of the potential utility of innovative approaches and subsequently to test the best of these live in Dstl’s Defence Wargaming Centre.

The 7th November event will outline Dstl’s aims and give participants the chance to network with potential new collaborators. The dual focus will be on closed pitches from SMEs to the Dstl team of specific offers that may improve wargaming outcomes and on an open event where there will be the chance to present ‘Lightning Briefs’ to a broader audience and network informally with other participants and exhibitors.

Advertisement
ODU RT

The event is being hosted by The Manufacturing Technology Centre and supported by KTN; the UK’s Innovation Network; ADS, The Federation of Small Businesses; Team Defence Information and techUK. Dstl will also provide more information on its role in encouraging SME innovation and growth as partners in Venturefest South.

To secure a place at the event register online at Team Defence Information

For more information on the SME Searchlight contact: searchlight@dstl.gov.uk

 

Advertisement
Gulfstream banner
QinetiQ pays aerial tribute to iconic Spitfire

Defence Events

QinetiQ pays aerial tribute to iconic Spitfire

17 April 2026

The QinetiQ operated ETPS test pilot school based at MoD Boscombe Down has taken part in the historic Spitfire90 commemorative tour, as the only civilian-registered participants in the nine-day national flight schedule.

SitaWare Headquarters introduces Joint Fires and Targeting capabilities

Defence

SitaWare Headquarters introduces Joint Fires and Targeting capabilities

16 April 2026

Systematic has introduced within SitaWare Headquarters 6.22, a dedicated Targeting Application that brings the targeting process into the same C4ISR environment used for operational planning, situational awareness and mission execution.

Thales launches TopStar Smart Receiver

Defence

Thales launches TopStar Smart Receiver

16 April 2026

Thales has launched its TopStar Smart Receiver, a three-in-one ultra-compact solution providing land forces with resilient positioning, navigation and timing capabilities, while maintaining radio communications in increasingly contested electronic warfare environments.

UK to deliver large drone package to Ukraine

Defence Security

UK to deliver large drone package to Ukraine

15 April 2026

The UK has announced the biggest ever drone package for Ukraine, delivering at least 120,000 drones for Ukraine this year and driving growth and jobs across the UK.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Boeing secures UK Apache and Chinook support contract

Defence

Boeing secures UK Apache and Chinook support contract

15 April 2026

Boeing Defence UK has been awarded an historic £879 million Rotary Wing Enterprise contract from the Ministry of Defence (MoD), to deliver long term maintenance and support for the UK’s Apache and Chinook fleets.

ARX Robotics begins UK manufacturing with first British Army order

Defence

ARX Robotics begins UK manufacturing with first British Army order

15 April 2026

ARX Robotics UK has begun manufacturing autonomous ground systems in the United Kingdom following its first contract with the British Army.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
Gulfstream banner