DASA launches competition for semi-autonomous water survey system
The UK Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) has launched a competition for development of a new semi-autonomous reconnaissance and survey system to help British forces advance into enemy waters.
‘The vision is to ultimately remove personnel from this dangerous and potentially compromising task,’ DASA announced in a 23 March statement.
‘The concept envisages a semi-autonomous remote system that can collect the required measurements without the need to deploy personnel to the potential crossing location.’
For Phase 1 of the project, DASA is offering £1.2 million ($1.38 million) in funding for a TRL 5 demonstrator plan. A second phase, involving funding of £2.5 million, will include TRL 6 prototype development, demonstration and in-service capability.
Phase 1 funding is available from DASA for three or four bids.
More from Defence Notes
-
From systems integrator to multi-domain solutions provider (video)
Philipp von Brandenstein, Head of Corporate Communications at Rheinmetall, explains how Eurosatory 2026 marked a new stage in the company's evolution.
-
US Pentagon pushes for major reform of defence acquisition system
The US Department of Defense has requested new contracting authorities from Congress, using the Army's MV-75 Cheyenne programme to demonstrate how competition, digital engineering and closer industry collaboration could accelerate acquisitions.
-
US speeds up B61-13 nuclear bomb production as programme moves further ahead of schedule
The US government plans to accelerate production even further after achieving key B61-13 milestones months ahead of schedule, as the programme advances amid growing US-China strategic competition.
-
Canada’s C$2 billion ACSV deal reinforces new defence industrial strategy as allies align
General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada is the country’s first strategic partner under the Defence Industrial Strategy’s Strategic Partnership Framework, an effort to provide companies with confidence to invest and boost the defence labour force.
-
New UK armed forces minister frames High North defence as vital to “homeland security”
The UK’s Minister for the Armed Forces Louise Sandher-Jones made her first appearance in the role before the House of Commons Defence Committee this week to highlight efforts to improve capability in the High North.
-
Canada seeks to strengthen industrial ties with the US on classified programmes
Ottawa explores expanding defence-industrial cooperation with Washington into sensitive programmes, an approach that could reshape NORAD modernisation, strengthen North American supply chains and create new opportunities for defence contractors.