British Army Market Exploration Seeks Revolutionary Uncrewed Systems
The UK's Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) has launched a new Market Exploration called ‘Air Launched Effects: Revolutionary Deployment Systems’. Run on behalf of the British Army, this Market Exploration is seeking to identify Uncrewed Systems (UxS) with extended range capabilities.
The aim is to discover cutting-edge UxS technologies at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 or above that could potentially be deployed within the next 12 months.
Current events have demonstrated the importance of UxS in modern conflict and have shown that relatively low-cost UxS solutions can defeat more expensive systems. The UxS space is evolving at a rapid pace and, therefore, platforms and components must undergo rapid iterations to keep up with the latest battlefield adaptations and requirements. This Market Exploration reflects the growing importance of uncrewed systems in defence strategies and the need for agile, innovative solutions in the face of evolving global security challenges.
Do you have an innovation that could be of interest to the British Army? Read the full Market Exploration document and submit a proposal.
What technologies is this Market Exploration seeking?The British Army is actively pursuing cutting-edge technologies to enhance their operational capabilities. A key initiative of this endeavour is the development of an uncrewed Deep Recce Strike platform capable of operating at ranges greater than 80 kilometers. This platform should also be able to deliver shorter-range one-way effectors onto designated targets.
In addition to its strike capabilities, the system needs to have the ability to incorporate sophisticated Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) functionalities. These features will enable the identification of dynamic targets and facilitate post-strike Battlefield Damage Assessment (BDA).
The British Army is seeking a solution that allows for rapid development, testing, production, deployment, and iterative improvement. To ensure longevity and adaptability, the platform should feature a modular design, providing resilience against advancements in Counter Electromagnetic Warfare (EW) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies. Particular emphasis is placed on maintaining operational effectiveness in EW-contested and GPS-denied environments.
Innovation capabilities that only rely on the supply chains of the UK and its allies are preferred.
UK Ministry of Defence Guidance – Market Exploration Document: Air Launched Effects : Revolutionary Deployment Systems
1. SummaryOn behalf of the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD), DASA is running a Market Exploration to identify technologies from across industry at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 or above or ideally capable of integration within the next 12 months.
The information obtained from this Market Exploration will be reviewed to identify technology areas suitable for further research and development, as well as potential procurement opportunities. At this stage, there is no commitment to launch a subsequent competition.
Details of your submission will not be shared outside of UK MOD.
2. BackgroundThe British Army is pursuing a goal to double its lethality by 2027 and triple it by 2030. As part of this drive, there is a strong focus on developing new and novel technologies to be integrated into the wider force.
Current worldwide events have demonstrated the importance of UxS in modern conflict. Relatively low-cost UxS solutions can defeat more exquisite systems. This increases survivability of personnel and other crewed platforms.
The UxS space is evolving at a rapid pace. Therefore, platforms and components must undergo rapid iterations to keep up with the latest battlefield adaptations and requirements.
3. What we wantThe British Army is seeking an uncrewed Deep Recce Strike platform capable of operating at ranges greater than 80km. This platform should also be able to deliver shorter-range one-way effectors onto targets identified by the User.
A further requirement is an Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) capability for identifying dynamic targets and conducting Battlefield Damage Assessment (BDA) following effect delivery.
The User requires the ability to rapidly develop, test, produce, operate, and iterate the system. The platform should be modular to provide resilience against technological advancements in Counter Electromagnetic Warfare (EW) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Focus should be given to operating successfully within EW contested and Global Positioning System (GPS) denied environments.
Details of supply chain resilience should be included in your submission.
A forecast cost indicator of the platform and associated software/modular add-ons is requested for consideration.
We are keen to seek innovation capabilities that predominantly rely on the supply chains of the UK and its allies.
4. What we don’t want
- Technologies below TRL 4 are not required as this does not typically support integration within a 12-month timeline unless this can be shown in the submission.
- We are not interested in literature reviews, paper-based studies, consultancy or non-technical solutions.
5. How to submit a Market Exploration Submission to DASAResponses to this Market Exploration must be submitted via the DASA submission service, for which you will need to register. We recommend you use a Google Chrome browser to access the DASA submission service.
You will be asked for a title and short summary of your innovation, along with questions related to your organisation, your idea and technology maturity. We are seeking to understand what and how much further development is required for a complete solution to meet requirements, or whether a combination of separate solutions is required. The information you provide will assist in developing a statement of requirements for potential future activities.
Submissions must be submitted by Midday 12:00 (GMT) on 4 February 2025. We are unable to accept any submissions after this point.
Please only provide details of one product/capability per submission. If you have a number of potential solutions, please submit multiple forms.
If you have any questions please email accelerator@dstl.gov.uk with “Air Launched Effects: Revolutionary Deployment Systems Market Exploration” in the subject line.
