United Kingdom Defense Seeks Innovations in Autonomous Sensor Management
The Defense Science Technology Laboratory (Dstl) on behalf of the UK Defense Innovation (UKDI) is seeking novel autonomous sensor management approaches that are able to detect and counter activity designed to deceive Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) efforts.
The Ministry of Defense (MOD) has committed to integrating the UK Armed Forces through a Digital Targeting Web which operates across the integrated force by connecting sensors, deciders and effectors to create speed. Practical methods which detect and counter activities designed to deceive the ISR picture are crucial for such operations.
Current low-level ISR processing places undue burden on human operators and draws them away from higher-level tasks. Practical autonomous sensor management, although not widely fielded, allows for a higher level of autonomy and thus increases the tempo of operations. The ISR picture is also complicated by targets who intentionally hide, misrepresent themselves and modify their surroundings to obscure their intent. The current generation of sensor management and information fusion algorithms are not equipped to address this kind of environment.
Dstl is seeking proposals that address the question of how to undertake built-in autonomous sensor management in scenarios where deceptive entities are active. Innovations should ensure the use of open standards, collaborate between development partners and diverse stakeholders, and be able to be integrated with the wider ISR enterprise at large.
The Dstl does not want proposals that deliver below Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 or undertake development work below TRL 4, provide demonstrations of off-the-shelf products, constitute paper-based studies, or offer no real long-term prospect of integration or exploitation.
This new announcement presents potential export opportunities for U.S. companies with expertise in defense technology. U.S. companies have a worldwide reputation for innovative products and after-sales service which makes them competitive in the UK market.
If you have a proposal which provides innovative solutions to countering deception, or if you would like to learn more about security and defense opportunities in the UK, please contact PJ Menner at the U.S. Embassy London via PJ.Menner@trade.gov.