DASA eyes alternative weapons guidance trials by 2025
The UK is looking at non-satellite guidance methods for weapons. (Photo: UK MoD/Crown Copyright)
UK launches study to look into alternatives to satellite guidance for weapon systems.
The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) in the UK has launched a new market exploration in search of innovative military navigation solutions as alternatives to satellite guidance for weapon systems.
‘Alternative Navigation for Weapon Systems’, launched on 10 February, is being run on behalf of MoD Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) and seeks to understand the range of technologies used for commercial positioning and navigation systems.
Proposals must be submitted by 7 April 2022.
The potential system should be available for trials by early 2025 and be ‘developed to an operational level in either a civilian or on military application’, DASA noted.
It added that the proposed solutions should also have reached maturity of Technology Readiness Level 4 or above; ‘not be solely reliant’ on GNSS; have the potential to be further developed to meet military specifications; and be sufficiently accurate to monitor position during deployment to within 5m.
More from Defence Notes
-
![UK faces cost of balancing defensive capabilities abroad as Iran conflict widens]()
UK faces cost of balancing defensive capabilities abroad as Iran conflict widens
The UK has recently deployed a Type 45 destroyer to Cyprus and has bolstered its presence in the Middle East in recent weeks with supporting air power to protect neighbouring countries’ air defences.
-
![White House calls on Pentagon contractors to “rapidly and aggressively” boost weapon production]()
White House calls on Pentagon contractors to “rapidly and aggressively” boost weapon production
Intended to sustain Operation Epic Fury against Iran, efforts to increase the production of weapons and ammunition could expose long-standing weaknesses in the US defence industrial base.
-
![India’s strategic defence footprint expansion could be accelerated by Iran-Israel conflict]()
India’s strategic defence footprint expansion could be accelerated by Iran-Israel conflict
The latest escalation between Iran and Israel could shape New Delhi’s next-generation shield as India deepens cooperation with Israel on missile defence and drone production.
-
![Is the US magazine of air defence interceptors deep enough to sustain a long campaign against Iran?]()
Is the US magazine of air defence interceptors deep enough to sustain a long campaign against Iran?
The Pentagon spent a considerable number of THAAD and SM-3 rounds to defend against Iranian missiles in 2025 and has not fully replenished its reserves.
-
![New Zealand buys tri-service uncrewed kit from Syos Aerospace]()
New Zealand buys tri-service uncrewed kit from Syos Aerospace
As uncrewed technology continues to play an increasingly central role in modern military activities, New Zealand’s recent acquisitions point towards its the force’s focus on cost-effective capability.
