£1m competition launched to advance autonomous sensor technologies
Source: gov.uk (2025-12-02)

UKDI-DASA seeks autonomous sensor solutions to detect and counter ISR deception

UKDI-DASA has launched a new Themed Competition called Autonomous Sensor Management and Sensor Counter Deception – Phase 2

This competition is run of behalf of the Defence Science Technology Laboratory (Dstl)

£1 million funding available (excluding VAT) provided by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA) budget. We expect to fund 2 collaborative contributions.

Participation in Phase 1 is not a requirement to submit a proposal in Phase 2 of this competition.

The Defence and Security Accelerator (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/defence-and-security-accelerator), 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) (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/defence-science-and-technology-laboratory), this competition seeks innovations which will deliver practical autonomous sensor management methods to counter activity designed to deceive Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR).

Understanding Autonomous Sensor Management in Defence

Military decisions depend on knowing the current and future tactical, operational, and strategic environment. This awareness comes from effective ISR. Modern operations need faster, more automated ISR processes. Moving from human-led methods to systems with greater autonomy speeds up the cycle of collecting, processing, and sharing information and allows personnel to focus on higher-level tasks and decision-making.

However, military environments are complex. Adversaries often hide, mislead, or modify the environment to conceal their intentions. This is clearly a challenge for autonomous processes and current sensor management systems which are largely designed for benign environments. MOD has committed to integrate our Armed Forces through a new Digital Targeting Web by 2027. This will connect sensors, deciders and effectors to create choice and speed when operating in any contested domain. Achieving autonomy in sensor management and resilience against deception is critical to maintaining situational awareness in these environments.

What are we looking for?

This competition seeks solutions for autonomous sensor management in scenarios where deception is present. Building on Phase 1 (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/autonomous-sensor-management-and-sensor-counter-deception/autonomous-sensor-management-and-sensor-counter-deception-competition-document), which focused on developing algorithmic solutions and simulated demonstrations, Phase 2 of this competition is looking for:
- autonomous sensor management solutions to counter activity which intends to deceive ISR operations
- solutions to be at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 by project completion which can be demonstrated using real sensing networks.
- use of open standards to interface with the wider ISR enterprise via the SAPIENT (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/sapient-autonomous-sensor-system) standard
- innovations capable of being brought to market by an appropriate collaboration between development partners
- suppliers to look beyond Phase 2 by using collaborative demonstration opportunities with a diverse range of stakeholders.
Successful participants will have the opportunity to work with Dstl to integrate their solutions into a large-scale demonstration utilising the SAPIENT standard and compatible sensors. As part of the MOD’s ‘NATO first’ approach, showcasing innovations via the NATO Innovation Continuum (https://www.act.nato.int/activities/innovation-continuum/) series of events is strongly encouraged. These events help accelerate the adoption of new and disruptive technologies and provide a high-profile opportunity to demonstrate innovations to defence stakeholders. Please note: Dstl and NATO cannot guarantee that sensors or other appropriate infrastructure will be available for successful participants to demonstrate their innovations. Participants should ensure their demonstration is fully prepared and self-sufficient should integration be impeded by issues beyond our or their control.

Could your innovation be of interest? Read the full competition document (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/autonomous-sensor-management-and-sensor-counter-deception-phase-2) to learn more.

Key dates
- Deadline for submission is 12:00 midday (GMT), 10 February 2026.
- Launch webinar: 16 December – register via Eventbrite (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/autonomous-sensor-management-and-sensor-counter-deception-phase-2-webinar-tickets-1972697608651?aff=oddtdtcreator).
- Projects are expected to run from May 2026 to December 2027 and should deliver at TRL 6 by completion.
Do you have an innovation?

Read the full competition document (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/autonomous-sensor-management-and-sensor-counter-deception-phase-2) and submit your proposal before 10 February 2026