Up to £800,000 available to help UK Defence develop a UAS

Get (up to) £800,000 to help UK Defence develop affordable and adaptable autonomous air systems (UAS)

The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) is pleased to launch a new Themed Competition called, ‘Affordable and Adaptable Unmanned Air Systems Autonomy’. Funded by the Army Rapid Innovation and Exploitation Laboratory (ARIEL), a part of the Army’s Futures Directorate, this competition seeks proposals that can help UK Defence develop affordable and adaptable autonomous air systems (UAS) to boost the British Army’s domination of the “near surface” (0-10,000ft above ground level) in future conflicts.

The goal of this initiative is to counteract the proliferation of adversary UAS capabilities while taking advantage of emerging technologies.

Key dates and funding

• Up to £800,000 (ex VAT) is available to fund multiple proposals
• The deadline to submit a proposal is midday, 27 July 2023
• A Q&A webinar to discuss the competition requirements will take place on 5 July 2023
• 1-2-1 sessions to discuss your specific questions will take place on the 10 and 11 July 2023

This competition seeks novel innovations to help give the UK an advantage through affordable and adaptable, autonomous air systems (UAS)

Do you have an innovation? 
Read the full competition document and submit a proposal.

Submit a proposal

Do you have an innovative idea for an autonomous air system that can increase unit reach and impact, all-the-while maintaining affordability, reliability and capability? Submit your solution to uphold UK advantage over adversaries.

Read the full competition document to learn more and submit a proposal.