Fast times, fast tech: DASA launches new phase of fast paced themed competition

• DASA has launched Phase Two of Innovation in Support of Operations
• Funded by the Ministry of Defence
• Three competition cycles closing on 20 May 2025 12:00 Midday (BST); 05 August 2025 12:00 Midday (BST); 14 October 2025 12:00 Midday (BST)

The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) is pleased to launch Phase Two of our fast paced Themed Competition Innovation in Support of Operations. 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 twelve-month timeframe.

Competition key information

Phase Two – expected to consist of three cycles:

All above time BST

• We expect proposals to cost no more than £350,000
• A number of proposals may be funded

Background: Why we need innovation in this area

The UK Government continuously evaluates insights from global events, to rapidly implement solutions that strengthen military and economic advantage.

This competition aims to identify and accelerate innovative solutions and techniques, ensuring they can be scaled and deployed faster than our adversaries.

Competition challenges

This competition has five new challenge areas:

1. UAS Propulsion

In this challenge area we 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

We are looking for innovative solutions to repair, recondition and extend barrel life.

3. Autonomous navigation systems for UAS and USVs

In this challenge we are seeking autonomous navigation systems for air vehicles and/or maritime surface vessels.

4. Seekers

We are looking for novel systems directed against:

1. RF transmitters at frequencies ranging from 200 MHz to 40 GHz
2. Class I(d), Class II and Class III UAS
3. Medium to large maritime surface targets.

5.UAS defeat

This challenge relates to the ability to:

1. Detect UAS. We are seeking solutions to detect (and potentially defeat) UAS, including those that are not reliant on RF links.

2. Destroy UAS.  We are looking for novel solutions to destroy UAVs around the Class 1(d) size, once detected.

These challenges are designed to identify innovations that could be deployed, at an appropriate scale, in operational areas within 12 months.

Technology Readiness Levels (TRL)

For this competition we are seeking technology output and demonstration to reach  technology readiness level (TRL) 6 by the end of the project.