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UKDI-DASA has launched a new Themed Competition called
Autonomous Sensor Management and Sensor Counter Deception –
Phase 2
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This competition is run of behalf of the Defence Science
Technology Laboratory (Dstl)
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£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.
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Participation in Phase 1 is not a requirement to submit a
proposal in Phase 2 of this competition.
The 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), 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, 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 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 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 documentto
learn more.Key dates
- Deadline for submission is 12:00 midday (GMT), 10 February
2026.
- Launch webinar: 16 December – register via Eventbrite.
- One-to-one sessions: 15-minute technical Q&A slots
available following the webinar.
- Projects are expected to run from May 2026 to December 2027
and should deliver at TRL 6 by completion.
