Aiming Far and High: New DASA Market Exploration seeks revolutionary uncrewed systems
Source: gov.uk (2025-01-29)

Novel solutions are being sought by the British Army to boost the range and effectiveness of uncrewed systems

- DASA has launched a new Market Exploration called ‘Air Launched Effects: Revolutionary Deployment Systems’
- This Market Exploration is being run on behalf of the British Army to help them identify Uncrewed Systems (UxS) capable of operating at extended ranges
- The deadline for submissions is midday 12:00 (GMT) on 5 February 2025
The Defence and Security Accelerator (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/defence-and-security-accelerator) (DASA) is pleased to launch a new Market Exploration called ‘Air Launched Effects: Revolutionary Deployment Systems’. Run on behalf of the British Army (https://www.army.mod.uk), this Market Exploration is seeking to identify Uncrewed Systems (UxS) with extended range capabilities. They aim to discover cutting-edge UxS technologies at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/defence-and-security-accelerator-terms-and-conditions-and-contract-guidance) 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 (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/market-exploration-air-launched-effects) 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.

Submit a proposal

Do you have an innovation that matches the requirements? Read the full Market Exploration document (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/market-exploration-air-launched-effects) to learn more and submit a proposal.