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UKDI-DASA has launched a brand new Themed Competition referred to as Autonomous Sensor Management and Sensor Counter Deception – Phase 2
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This competition is run of behalf of the Defence Science Technology Laboratory (Dstl)
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£1 million funding out there (excluding VAT) supplied by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA) price range. We anticipate to fund 2 collaborative contributions.
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Participation in Phase 1 will not be a requirement to submit a proposal in Phase 2 of this competition.
The Defence and Security Accelerator, a part of UK Defence Innovation (UKDI-DASA) is delighted to launch Phase 2 of the Themed Competition, Autonomous Sensor Management and Sensor Counter Deception. Run on behalf of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), this competition seeks improvements which can ship sensible autonomous sensor administration strategies to counter exercise designed to deceive Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR).
Understanding Autonomous Sensor Management in Defence
Military choices rely on understanding the present and future tactical, operational, and strategic atmosphere. This consciousness comes from efficient ISR. Modern operations want sooner, extra automated ISR processes. Moving from human-led strategies to programs with higher autonomy hastens the cycle of gathering, processing, and sharing data and permits personnel to concentrate on higher-level duties and decision-making.
However, army environments are complicated. Adversaries typically disguise, mislead, or modify the atmosphere to conceal their intentions. This is clearly a problem for autonomous processes and present sensor administration programs that are largely designed for benign environments. MOD has dedicated to combine our Armed Forces by means of a brand new Digital Targeting Web by 2027. This will join sensors, deciders and effectors to create selection and velocity when working in any contested area. Achieving autonomy in sensor administration and resilience in opposition to deception is important to sustaining situational consciousness in these environments.
What are we on the lookout for?
This competition seeks options for autonomous sensor administration in situations the place deception is current. Building on Phase 1, which targeted on creating algorithmic options and simulated demonstrations, Phase 2 of this competition is on the lookout for:
- autonomous sensor administration options to counter exercise which intends to deceive ISR operations
- options to be at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 by mission completion which will be demonstrated utilizing actual sensing networks.
- use of open requirements to interface with the broader ISR enterprise through the SAPIENT commonplace
- improvements able to being introduced to market by an acceptable collaboration between improvement companions
- suppliers to look past Phase 2 through the use of collaborative demonstration alternatives with a various vary of stakeholders.
Successful individuals may have the chance to work with Dstl to combine their options right into a large-scale demonstration utilising the SAPIENT commonplace and appropriate sensors. As a part of the MOD’s ‘NATO first’ strategy, showcasing improvements through the NATO Innovation Continuum collection of occasions is strongly inspired. These occasions assist speed up the adoption of latest and disruptive technologies and supply a high-profile alternative to exhibit improvements to defence stakeholders.
Please be aware: Dstl and NATO can not assure that sensors or different acceptable infrastructure will probably be out there for profitable individuals to exhibit their improvements. Participants ought to guarantee their demonstration is totally ready and self-sufficient ought to integration be impeded by points past our or their management.
Could your innovation be of curiosity? Read the complete competition document to be taught extra.
Key dates
- Deadline for submission is 12:00 noon (GMT), 10 February 2026.
- Launch webinar: 16 December – register through Eventbrite.
- One-to-one periods: 15-minute technical Q&A slots out there following the webinar.
- Projects are anticipated to run from May 2026 to December 2027 and will ship at TRL 6 by completion.
Do you have got an innovation?
Read the complete competition document and submit your proposal earlier than 10 February 2026