United Kingdom Defense Seeks Novel Robotics and Autonomous Systems
UK Defence Innovation (UKDI), on behalf of Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl)’s Autonomy Program Incubator, seeks proposals from industry of early-stage novel and disruptive science and technology (S&T) that can be developed into game-changing defense robotics and autonomous systems. The aim of this call for information is to find cutting-edge low-technology readiness level S&T ideas that may be developed to support military use of autonomous systems across land, sea and air environments.
The Dstl Autonomy Incubator has three core objectives:
- To explore novel autonomy technologies and concepts to support integration into future capability.
- To support the development of a resilient and collaborative defense ecosystem for Robotics and Autonomous Systems.
- To enhance the Autonomy Incubator’s ability to assess the implications of novel Robotics and Autonomous Systems technologies.
These core objectives seek to identify and develop a breadth of novel and innovative technologies for autonomous air, maritime, and land systems which may have a significant or game-changing impact on future military capability.
This technology outreach to industry has two stages. First stage submissions of novel ideals must include a description of the intended development and how it aligns in scope to the MOD’s aims along with an outline of expected performance parameters. All submissions must contain new S&T with completely new science or approaches. Information supplied in the first stage will be retained in confidence within UKDI for 12 months and then destroyed. No information from Stage 1 shall be shared with any third party.
First stage submissions of novel ideals accepted by the Autonomy Incubator will progress to the second submission stage which will require a full detailed proposal with a technical description, defined deliverables, and a financial breakdown. Stage two proposals will be assessed on the UKDI’s standard triad: desirability, feasibility, and viability. The MOD is aiming to award contracts starting in November 2026.
The technology scope is deliberately open-ended, spanning physical robotics, information handling, high-level autonomy and decision-making, and survivability. Dstl offers three example challenge areas: swarming uncrewed air systems, maritime autonomous systems, and land autonomous systems.
This new announcement presents potential export opportunities for U.S. companies with expertise in defense technologies. U.S. companies have a worldwide reputation for innovative products and after-sales service which makes them competitive in the UK market.
To learn more about the Autonomy and Robotics solutions the MOD is seeking, please contact PJ Menner, Aerospace and Defense Specialist at the U.S. Embassy London via PJ.Menner@trade.gov.