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
-
Orchestrating operational readiness across every defence domain
Are all systems ready for the next mission? Have upgrades been applied? Are all assets aligned to deploy together, on time and fully prepared? In modern defence operations, readiness is no longer measured platform by platform. It is measured by how well people, assets, data and decisions move together — across land, sea and air.
-
How deepening AI usage can boost efficiency and maximise effects for forces
Saab has outlined how it is using artificial intelligence to make training more like electronic gaming, while the UK’s Power Size Technologies is applying the same technology to better evaluate and design vehicle capability, moving AI-enabled innovation further upstream from the frontline.
-
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.