INTERNATIONAL PROCUREMENT OPPORTUNITIES

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UNITED KINGDOM AND NATO

31 Aug 23. UK MoD eyeing purchase of 1,100 ‘tactical mobility’ vehicles.

The two-variant Light Tactical Mobility Platform programme is seeking to acquire new Medium and Light vehicles in combined deal worth in excess of £90m.

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) is seeking industry responses to the potential acquisition of more than 1,000 4×4 and all-terrain vehicles under the Light Tactical Mobility Platform (LTMP) Medium and LTMP Light programme.

According to details contained in two separate pre-qualification questionnaires (PQQ), the LTMP Medium would seek a 4×4 solution, while the LTMP Light would require an ATV-like capability.

The LTMP Medium deal could be worth up to £80.9m ($102.8m), with the Light variant amounting to £10.4m. Closing date for submissions was listed as 25 September.

The LTMP Medium contract would see the procurement of up to 48 so-called Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTV), with potential options within the contract for a maximum of 863 UTVs inclusive of initial procurement.

Desired specifications require the UTVs to be able to accommodate a driver and passenger side-by-side, with a minimum speed of 65kph on the road when towing the platform’s maximum load, while the minimum payload capacity, including personnel, equipment, and stores, would be in excess of 600kg.

An initial support period will be for five years with the option to extend for a further five years in one-year increments. Any chosen supplier would have to provide two sample vehicles plus trailers to use during a trialling period, which would run from February – April 2024.

Similarly, the LTMP Light PQQ calls for the potential supply of up to 156 Light UTVs, with potential options within the contract to reach a maximum of 311 platforms, inclusive of initial procurement.

The LTMP Light platform would need to have a minimum ground clearance of 180mm when fully laden, achieve a minimum speed of 40kph on road when towing a weight of 450kg, and have a minimum payload capacity of 270kg.

The initial support period will be for five years with the option to extend for a further five years in one-year iterations. Two sample platforms would also have to be made available by a potential bidder for the trial date in order to be deemed compliant.

Taking each potential contract to include the maximum number of options, an individual LTMP Medium platform would cost approximately £94,000, while a single Light UTV would cost around £33,000.

Is LTMP the replacement for Ukraine donations and equipment disposals?

According to an April MoD acquisition pipeline, requirements for a ‘Low Technology Mobility Platform’ Light and Medium was listed under ‘New Requirement’ and had an estimated tender issuance date of 1 October and 1 August respectively. The estimated contract issuance date for the Light programme was listed as 1 January 2025, with the Medium variant being 1 September 2024.

Although determining the exact nature of the platform is difficult according to the details contained in the PQQs, it is possible that the LTMP programme could replace much of the British Army’s tactical mobility and logistics platforms, centred around, among other platforms, the Pinzgauer and Land Rover 4×4 vehicles.

According to UK-German joint venture RBSL, the Pinzgauer all-terrain utility vehicle is available in both 4×4 and 6×6 wheel configurations, and typically utilised in roles such as command and control, liaison, special forces, evacuation, and administrative tasks.

The Land Rover has been ubiquitous in British Army service for decades, across the entire spectrum of roles. Its unsuitability for high tempo conflict seen in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, where its lack of protection offered to crews was highly criticised, saw it replaced on the frontline by more survivable platforms such as the High Mobility Transporter 4×4 and 6×6 variants, produced by Supacat.

It was reported in November 2022 by Army Technology that the UK MoD had sold off 22 Pinzgauer Truck Utility Medium – Heavy Duty, and 132 Land Rover vehicles across a range of variants through the calendar year. Around 300 trailers had similarly been sold at auction or scrapped.

(Source: army-technology.com)

31 Aug 23. UK Light Tactical Mobility Platform (M) Contract Notice.

The Land Rover Defender TUM HS, ordered in 1996, is the current UK MoD 4×4 medium utility truck ~ this example was photographed deployed on Operation CABRIT in Estonia in May 2023 [© Bob Morrison]

In a recently published Contract Notice the UK MoD announced the Light Tactical Mobility Platform (LTMP) Medium Project requirements.

Contract notice for contracts in the field of defence and security; Published 25 August 2023, 6:10pm.

The Light Tactical Mobility Platform (LTMP) Project is to provide the MoD with new high tactical mobility platforms that enable the user to conduct dismounted close combat manoeuvres. The Project has been split into two platform types, LTMP Medium (Contract Number 704573452) and LTMP Light (Contract Number: 703466451) are procured separately. Suppliers are invited to bid against either or both Contracts under the respective adverts. This Advert relates to the Medium platform.

Library image of a Land Rover Defender TUM HS fitted with Weapons Mount Installation Kit (WMIK) on Exercise EAGLE’S LIFT 2002 [© Bob Morrison]

Specifications: It is expected that this Contract will initially procure up to forty-eight (48) x LTMP Medium Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTV) (to operate on diesel/AVTUR F-34 fuel) and trailers, with potential options within the Contract for up to a maximum of eight hundred and sixty-three (863) inclusive of the initial procurement. The Contract is for the procurement and through life support.

The Authority requires a supplier with a proven track record of providing support for a vehicle fleet. Specifications to include, but not limited to, (A detailed specification will be part of the ITT):

suppliers are to note that LTMP Medium platforms are to operate using diesel/AVTUR F-34 fuel,
a configuration of driver and passenger side-by-side,
minimum speed of 65kph on road when towing at the platform’s Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM),
trailers are required whereby combined weight of the trailer, and the payload capacity, shall not exceed the towing capacity of the platform nor exceed the width of the platform and the height of 1530mm,
minimum ground clearance of 180mm+ when fully laden,
minimum payload capacity (personnel, equipment, stores) of 600kg+,
the LTMP Medium platform can be legally driven on UK highways/roads.

The initial support period will be for five (5) years with the option to extend for a further five (5) years in one (1) year iterations. The value advertised within this advert is inclusive of all potential options and is subject to future funding and approvals. Details of the platform, quantities, options, and Contract duration shall be set out within the Invitation to Tender (ITT). The Project Team is running this procurement using the ITT process as set out in Chapter 16 of the Defence and Security Public Contracts Regulations (DSPCR) 2011. The Contract Classification is Official Sensitive. The Cyber risk profile for this requirement has been assessed as Very Low. Suppliers will be required to complete the Supplier Assurance Questionnaire (SAQ) as part of the ITT.

Pre-Qualification Tender Stage: The DPQQ (Dynamic Pre-Qualification Questionnaire) will be hosted in the Defence Sourcing Portal (DSP). All suppliers’ responses to be submitted via the DSP. The DPQQ will close for suppliers at 17:00 25th September 2023.

The anticipated timetable for the whole procurement process is as follows:

Activity Timetable Planned Completion

DPQQ Responses Received (30 calendar days) 25th September 2023
DPQQ Evaluation (Down selected to a Maximum of 5) October 2023
ITT Issued (40 Calendar Days) November 2023

Table 1: Anticipated Timetable for the Competition

Whilst it does not intend to do so, the Authority reserves the right to depart from this tender timetable at its discretion and will notify Tenderers accordingly throughout the competition. As this competition is running in parallel to LTMP Light (Contract Number: 703466451), the Authority will endeavour to deconflict the two Tender schedules.

Selection Criteria: It is a requirement that the potential Bidders shall supply a sample of two (2) platforms and trailers at the Trialling Date (estimated February 2024 – April 2024) at no cost to the Authority. As such, it will be necessary to confirm that this is achievable at the DPQQ stage. Should this not be possible, the supplier will be deemed non-compliant and excluded from progressing to the next stage.

Suppliers are to note the Bid Validity period is likely to be approximately 300 days to allow for full approvals. This is due to the Trial Period, approvals and evaluations that need to be incorporated into the schedule. This will have no effect on the outcome of the ITT evaluation.

Estimated value excluding VAT: £80,900,000

31 Aug 23. UK Light Tactical Mobility Platform (L) Contract Notice.

In a recently published Contract Notice the UK MoD announced the Light Tactical Mobility Platform (LTMP) Light Project requirements.

Contract notice for contracts in the field of defence and security; Published 25 August 2023, 6:09pm.

Specifications: It is expected that this Contract will procure up to one hundred and fifty-six (156) x LTMP Light (Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) / All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV)) platforms, with potential options within the Contract to procure up to a maximum of three hundred and eleven (311) platforms inclusive of the initial procurement. The Contract is for the procurement and through life support of the platforms.

The Authority requires a supplier with a proven track record of providing support to a vehicle platform fleet. The specifications include, but are not limited to:

Minimum ground clearance of 180mm+ when fully laden.
Minimum speed of 40kph on road when platforms are towing a weight of 450kg.
Minimum Payload capacity is 270kg+.
The LTMP Light platform can be legally driven on UK highways/roads.

Please note, suppliers can only bid one (1) platform in this Tender.

Further details of the platform, quantities, options, and Contract duration shall be set out within the Invitation to Tender (ITT). The Project Team is running this procurement using the ITT process as set out in Chapter 16 of the Defence and Security Public Contracts Regulations (DSPCR) 2011. The Contract Classification is Official Sensitive. The Cyber risk profile for this requirement has been assessed as Very Low. Suppliers will be required to complete the Supplier Assurance Questionnaire (SAQ) as part of the ITT.

Pre-Qualification Tender Stage: The DPQQ (Dynamic Pre-Qualification Questionnaire) will be hosted in the Defence Sourcing Portal (DSP). All Supplier responses will be submitted via the DSP. The DPQQ will close at 17:00 25th September 2023.

The anticipated timetable for the whole procurement process is as follows:

Activity Timetable

DPQQ Responses Received (30 calendar days)- Planned Completion 25th September 2023
DPQQ Evaluation (Down selected to a Maximum of 5) – Planned Completion October 2023
ITT Issued (40 Calendar Days)- Planned Completion November 2023

Whilst it does not intend to do so, the Authority reserves the right to depart from this Tender timetable at its discretion and will notify Suppliers accordingly throughout the competition. As this competition is running in parallel to LTMP Medium (Contract Number: 704573452), the Authority will endeavour to deconflict the two Tender schedules.

Selection Criteria: It is a requirement that the potential Bidders shall supply a sample of two (2) platforms at the Trialling Date (estimated February 2024 – April 2024) at no cost to the Authority. As such, it will be necessary to confirm that this is achievable at the DPQQ stage. Should this not be possible, the supplier will be deemed non-compliant and excluded from progressing to the next stage.

Estimated value excluding VAT: £10,400,000

(Source: joint-forces.com)

30 Aug 23. New DASA Market Exploration seeks facial recognition technologies.

DASA seeks solutions that can help increase the use and effectiveness of facial recognition technologies within UK policing and security

DASA has launched a new Market Exploration: Facial Recognition (FR) technologies for policing and security applications
This Market Exploration is being run on behalf of the Home Office and seeks technologies for the use of facial recognition
Submissions must be submitted by midday on 12 October 2023

The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) is pleased to launch a new Market Exploration which seeks technological solutions for the use of Facial Recognition (FR) technologies within policing and other security stakeholders. Run on behalf of the Home Office, this Market Exploration is seeking to identify higher Technology Readiness Level (TRL) capabilities that could be deployed to benefit the Home Office and Policing and within the next 18 months.

FR technology is an increasingly important capability for law enforcement and is already being used in a number of ways within UK policing and security settings to prevent and detect crime, enhance security, find wanted criminals, safeguard the vulnerable and protect people from harm. The use of FR technologies is at varying stages across UK policing and the use of this technology in an ethical and effective way is a priority for the Home Office.

The Minister of State for Crime, Policing and Fire and Professor Paul Taylor, National Policing Chief Scientific Adviser have jointly supported progressing the use of this technology:

“The Minister of State for Crime, Policing and Fire and I strongly support the development and implementation of facial recognition (FR) technology within the law enforcement sector and are encouraged by it’s potential. We firmly believe that embracing this advanced technology can significantly enhance public safety while respecting individual rights and privacy. Industry is pivotal to realisation of that mission.

“It is essential to acknowledge the concerns surrounding FR technology, particularly those relating to privacy and potential biases. However, responsible development and implementation of FR systems can address these concerns effectively. By establishing robust governance frameworks, implementing strict data protection protocols, and ensuring transparency and accountability, we can strike the right balance between public safety and individual privacy rights.

“To maximise the technological benefits and minimise the risks associated with FR, it is crucial that we support and encourage industry to continue developing capabilities which can be deployed effectively and ethically.”

Professor Paul Taylor, National Policing Chief Scientific Adviser

Do you have an innovation? Read the full Market Exploration document and submit a proposal.

What technologies is this Market Exploration seeking?

The Home Office is primarily interested in higher TRL innovative capabilities that can resolve identity using facial features and landmarks as well as technologies that support algorithm development, integration, and analytics. It is vital that proposed solutions are secure, accurate, explainable and free from bias.

The Home Office is seeking capability to support the following FR applications or use cases (although other use cases would be considered):

Retrospective FR (RFR), a system to be used after an event to help establish who a person is or whether their image matches against other media held on image databases.
Operator-initiated FR (OIFR), a system where an operator can decide that they need to take an image of a person and then use FR software to help them establish who that person is.
Live FR (LFR), a system where cameras are focused on a specific area; when people pass through that area their images are streamed directly to the Live FR system.

This Market Exploration is not seeking technologies beyond the resolution of identity through facial recognition camera systems, such as iris detection, gait analysis and object detection.

Submit a proposal

Do you have a higher TRL innovation that could increase the ethical and effective use of facial recognition technologies within policing and other security stakeholders?

Read the full Market Exploration document to learn more and submit a proposal: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/facial-recognition

(Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

30 Aug 23. Over £3.5m funding from Government to reduce the impact of offshore windfarms on UK Air Defence.

Two projects have been awarded funding to develop windfarm mitigating prototypes and new funding announced to help the government accurately model the effectiveness of the different solutions.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and DASA has awarded £3.2m in funding to minimise the impact of offshore windfarms on UK Air Defence.
The funding will be used to help develop prototype demonstrations of windfarm mitigating technologies such as new materials and sensor technology.
A further competition has also launched today, with up to £500,000 in funding available for innovators with expertise in modelling and testing the effectiveness of different mitigation technologies.

Another significant boost to the UK’s renewable energy expansion has been delivered today, with fresh multi-m-pound Government funding and the launch of a new competition driving the move to minimise the impact of offshore windfarms on UK Air Defence surveillance.

Funding worth £3.2m has been awarded by the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA), in partnership with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), to two projects aiming to demonstrate technologies which can mitigate offshore windfarms’ impacts and their interference on defence radar.

Alongside this a new £500,000 competition has been launched which will help companies find solutions to accurately model and test the effectiveness of these technologies.

This will help ensure the UK remains on course to reach its ambition of 50GW in offshore wind by 2030, whilst supporting and co-existing with our air defence capabilities.

The Windfarm Mitigation for UK Air Defence: Phase 3 Programme is funded by the government’s £1bn Net Zero Innovation Portfolio (NZIP) and is undertaken in partnership with the Royal Air Force (RAF), the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), and DASA.

Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps said: “Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine has shown us how important it is to power more of Britain from Britain. Our offshore wind capability plays a huge role in delivering our energy security, with world’s four largest offshore windfarms in UK waters.”

“But with the war raging on, we need to make sure our energy security and our national security remain fully compatible. This funding will ensure our offshore wind works alongside our latest air defence technologies – boosting our defences through our military, and by delivering home-grown energy for our homes and businesses.”

The first winner of the funding today is LiveLink Aerospace, a Hampshire-based aerospace company, who have been awarded up to £1.3m in funding.

Their project will address the challenge of radar clutter caused by the rotating blades of wind turbines, which can degrade the performance of air defence radars and surveillance systems.

The firm’s work comprises of developing a series of small low-cost and robust passive air defence sensors, which do not emit any signals themselves, and therefore do not interfere with the radar returns from wind turbines.

The second winner is Trelleborg, an engineering firm based in Nottinghamshire, which has been awarded up to £1.8m in grant funding to deliver a project on the use of advanced materials in wind turbines to tackle radar interference. Trelleborg will use its existing expertise in manufacturing and engineering of stealth materials to deliver next-generation wind blades which will cause less interference with radars.

Key dates and funding

Also announced today, is up to £500,000 in funding now available for Stream 2 of Windfarm Mitigation for UK Air Defence: Phase 3.This phase seeks to provide funding for innovators with expertise in modelling and testing the effectiveness of different mitigation technologies, with the end goal of producing the best technology through the right combination of radar, materials and mapping software.

The deadline to submit a proposal is midday 24 October 2023 (BST).Read to full competition document to submit a proposal.

The Windfarm Mitigation for UK Air Defence Programme

As part of the UK’s renewable energy supply to achieve Net Zero goals, offshore wind energy will be essential. However, the installation of offshore windfarms may cause detrimental effects on the quality of data gathered from surveillance radars, which are crucial for the UK’s air defence detection capability.

The Windfarm Mitigation for UK Air Defence programme has been addressing this challenge area for several years. After the successful completion of Phase 1 and Phase 2, Stream 1 of Phase 3 was launched earlier this year. The primary objective of Stream 1 is to support prototype demonstration of the technologies that could mitigate the impact of windfarms on UK Air Defence.

Stream 2 aims to find innovative solutions that can accurately model and test the effectiveness of different mitigation technologies.

Wing Commander Kevin Walton, Co-Chair of the Ministry of Defence/Offshore Wind Industry Council Air Defence Mitigation Task Force said:

“The MOD is playing an active role in the UK’s efforts to build a greener, net-zero future.

“Offshore wind will play a central part in meeting our nation’s renewable energy needs and ensuring energy security for the UK. Complementing existing RAF work to mitigate the impacts of large-scale offshore windfarms on our current radars and the previous phases of this competition, this 2nd stream of Phase 3 of the innovation competition will play an important part in helping us to find the right combination of future solutions that will enable the long-term co-existence of windfarms and the UK’s air surveillance radars.”

Windfarm Mitigation for UK Air Defence Programme: Phase 3 – Stream 2

To support the decision making on further development of windfarm mitigation technologies, it is necessary to develop a model which can be used to objectively compare the funded solutions, determine their effectiveness in reducing the impact of proposed offshore windfarm developments and predict the consequences and benefits of combining solutions together.

For this competition, we are seeking models that can help assess the performance of different windfarm mitigation technologies to inform future policy decisions. The model should be able to assess the technologies and combinations against a set of specific metrics, data, and different scenarios.

Example scenarios include:

Several military jets crossing over a windfarm
A fast jet performing a turn over a windfarm
A supersonic fast jet traversing a windfarm at high/low altitude

Example metrics include:

Percentage of time over a windfarm that the target remains tracked
Time to re-establish tracking if lost
Delay of any tracking.

Read the full competition document for a more detailed breakdown of the competition’s requirements.

Supporting events

Dial-in session

12 September 2023 – A series of 20 minute one-to-one teleconference sessions, giving you the opportunity to ask specific questions. If you would like to participate, please register on the Eventbrite page.

Submit a proposal

Can you help DASA and DESNZ model the effectiveness of windfarm mitigation technologies? Read the full competition document to learn more and submit a proposal. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

21 Aug 23. Airmanship data capture technology flies high with a Defence Innovation Loan.

VRAI secured a DASA Defence Innovation Loan to help commercialise their data capture and analysis technology to help the RAF rapidly assess airmanship in future aviators.

VRAI’s data capture technology, funded through the DASA Open Call, has the ability to codify and predict airmanship performance. This technology can be used to accelerate training time for RAF recruits.
Additional funding secured through DASA’s Defence Innovation Loan programme will help VRAI further develop the technology and prepare for commercialisation
Run in partnership with Innovate UK, Defence Innovation Loans are designed to help SMEs develop and commercialise their mature defence solutions
As part of the project, DASA provided guidance and helped VRAI test the system with the RAF and obtain vital military end user feedback

Virtual training has become an essential component of modern defence, ensuring armed forces personnel can train proficiencies at scale while reducing costs. However, capturing and analysing training data has been a persistent challenge in defence, particularly in areas such as airmanship data from trainee pilots.

Airmanship refers to the non-technical skills, and judgement required for aerial navigation. To operate an aircraft safely, it is vital that trainees are trained to a high standard to have good situational awareness, decision-making ability and aircraft knowledge.

However, there are numerous obstacles to assessing pilot airmanship. It is constrained by the availability of in-person instructors that can observe students, as each instructor can only manage two or three students at a time. It is also heavily reliant on subjective observation.

Introducing VRAI: Combining virtual reality technology with data capture

Newcastle-based SME, VRAI, which specialises in virtual reality (VR) simulation training and data capture, recognised the need to provide trainee pilots with personalised training plans and data-driven feedback, to help them achieve their maximum potential in a shorter amount of time.

With the help of DASA funding, VRAI developed a solution to enable the Royal Air Force (RAF) to better measure and predict trainee pilot performance, using a combination of VR and data capture technology, called HEAT.

HEAT, which has been used to train staff in an array of vertical industries, can capture and generate rich data sets from commercial off-the-shelf VR solutions, which enables the capability to capture and store pilot data from simulated flying tasks.

VRAI’s data capture and analysis technology enables the RAF to train airmanship in future military pilots to a higher standard, faster, and in a more cost effective way.

It helps defence and security by:

enabling instructors to train more students at the same time
ensuring training performance is measure accurately
ensuring good airmanship qualities can be codified, resulting is less subjective monitoring of student performance
ensuring that students can readily self-assess their strengths and weaknesses against data
enabling projections of trainee performance can be used to develop individualised training programmes
enabling instructors to focus on more value added tasks when training students

Testing helps VRAI collect 1 billion airmanship data points with the RAF

VRAI submitted their innovative data capture solution to the DASA Open Call in 2020 and were awarded £348,000 in funding. DASA played a significant role in the project by offering VRAI guidance and helping them to test the system with the RAF, receiving valuable feedback from military end-users. The innovation was implemented at three RAF stations within a three-month timeframe, gathering nearly one billion data points from 40 RAF pilots, across the RAF 22 Group, and positive feedback from users.

During the testing, VRAI was able to collect valuable trainee data which can be used to standardise airmanship training and assessment, helping to significantly reduce the amount of time needed to train quality pilots.

Flying towards commercialisation: Defence Innovation Loans

With an eye towards the future, VRAI secured a Defence Innovation Loan to the value of £544,742, to further develop their innovation and market readiness.

They will use these funds, to apply machine learning (ML) to the innovation in order to generate more robust actionable insights to further develop trainees, while also ensuring the RAF can utilise the system for self-training. To help with this, VRAI will also use the funding to develop customised dashboard metrics relating to airmanship.

Niall Campion, Founder of VRAI said:

We believe the technology we’re developing with this funding will allow us to bring genuinely game changing advancements in how training is delivered and its success is measured.

Without DASA funding it would have been impossible for us to bring this product into the UK defence supply chain. By providing vital working capital while we demonstrate the value of the product in the defence industry, the Defence Innovation Loan will help us grow our business and deliver measurable improvements to training across both defence and other simulation markets.

Meet VRAI at DSEI 2023

If you are interested in learning more about VRAI and their innovative solutions, be sure to visit them at DSEI 2023. You can find them at the UK MOD Science & Innovation Stand: H1-810, alongside DASA.

Need help bringing your defence innovation to market?

One of DASA’s main financial mechanisms to support with business readiness and the commercialisation of innovations is through the Defence Innovation Loans programme. Run in partnership with Innovate UK, these are designed to help growth-minded SMEs develop and commercialise their mature defence solutions and in doing so, tackle some of the challenges businesses face in moving from technology development to product and company scale up.

Defence Innovation Loans Key points:

Exclusively for SMEs
Innovations must be at Technology Readiness Level 6 or above
Loans from £100,000 – £2 m
Loans can cover up to 100% of project costs to aid commercialisation of the solution
Below market interest rate
In partnership with Innovate UK

Learn more about Defence Innovation Loans here and submit an application: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/competition-defence-innovation-loans/competition-document-defence-innovation-loan

(Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

03 Aug 23. UK: New declarations about future Royal Navy Type 83 destroyer. According to information published by the UK government on June 28, 2023, the UK Minister of Defense delivered a speech on the future of the Armed Forces, the lessons learned from the war in Ukraine, and the future Type 83 program of the Navy.

In the speech, the UK Minister of Defense discusses the lessons learned from the war in Ukraine and the importance of full-spectrum air defense. He emphasizes the evolving and real threats faced by the UK and its allies, including the use of new technologies and tactics witnessed in Ukraine.

The Type 83 destroyer is a key component of the Royal Navy’s Future Air Dominance System, representing a notable shift in naval warfare. It is anticipated to replace the existing Type 45, embodying a transformation towards a network-centric naval strategy heavily reliant on sensors.

A distinguishing feature of Type 83 is its extensive use of automation. This technology aims to decrease the necessary crew size, with potential increases in the ship’s operational efficiency and response speed.

Its armament is planned to be a mix of traditional missile systems and emergent Directed Energy Weapons, crafted to respond to evolving threats in the maritime theatre.

The Type 83 is also projected to incorporate uncrewed systems, which could provide additional surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike capabilities, possibly expanding the ship’s operational reach while mitigating risks to crew.

Further, the ship is designed to include advanced radar sensing capabilities, potentially offering an extended detection range. This attribute might enable the Type 83 to provide more effective protection for a fleet, potentially improving airspace control and supporting the UK’s maritime freedom of movement. (Source: News Now/https://www.navyrecognition.com/)

02 Aug 23. Bunker and tunnel detection innovation shines with support from Defence Innovation Loans. Silicon Microgravity secured a DASA Defence Innovation Loan to further develop and commercialise their micro-chip technology for autonomous tunnel and bunker detection

The Defence Innovation Loan will help Cambridge-based SME, Silicon Microgravity, develop and commercialise their autonomous gravimeter technology for tunnel and bunker detection by the end of 2024.
DASA has also funded Silicon Microgravity’s ultra-precise, gyroscope technology for alternative navigation in GPS denied environments.
DASA’s Defence Innovation Loans, run in partnership with Innovate UK, is an alternative funding model to help convert mature defence innovations into viable business propositions that can compete for defence procurement.

The detection of sub-surface tunnels and bunkers has long been identified as a challenge area for defence, in both asymmetric and symmetrical warfare, and recent conflicts have only highlighted the growing threat of underground structures. In order to better safeguard frontline personnel, the military needs to swiftly and efficiently detect sub-surface tunnels and bunkers to overcome potential adversaries who use them.

Despite their effectiveness, current tunnel detection methods such as ground penetrating radar and electromagnetics have several drawbacks. They are often bulky, costly, and challenging to apply in situations featuring difficult to navigate terrain, making them less efficient for quick, mobile use.

Introducing Silicon Microgravity

Cambridge-based Silicon Microgravity identified the need to radically shrink, and lower the cost and power consumption of underground structure detection systems, to enhance their effectiveness for Defence. Drawing inspiration from the civil environment and the current use of conducting gravity surveys to detect buried infrastructure, the SME sought to adapt this technology for defence.

Silicon Microgravity is developing a gravimeter (a tool for measuring minute changes in the force of gravity) which can be deployed remotely on an autonomous land vehicle or drones, to detect underground structures, keeping personnel out of danger zones.

The innovation uses resonant Micro Electrical Mechanical Systems (MEMS), which is a technological process used to create tiny integrated devices or systems that combine mechanical and electrical components. MEMS has a long history in the civil world, and is used in an array of technologies such as accelerometers for airbag sensors and inkjet printer heads, however it has never had, until now, the sensitivity for use in navigation or gravity applications. Silicon Microgravity’s sensors are over a thousand times more accurate than those traditionally used in civilian applications.

Thanks to their proprietary resonant MEMS technology, Silicon Microgravity has achieved a significant breakthrough in sub-surface detection technology. The technique has enabled the company to miniaturise the technology from the size of a shoe box to a tiny computer chip. As a result, the SME has been able to attach the underground sensing technology to a handheld device, or a drone, which can easily navigate hazardous terrain, land, and take readings of underground structures beneath the surface.

In 2022, Silicon Microgravity received a Defence Innovation Loan to take the innovation towards commercialisation by the end of 2024.

Silicon Microgravity’s journey with DASA and towards commercialisation

In 2017, Silicon Microgravity first collaborated with DASA through the Open Call, marking their first foray into the Defence sector. With DASA’s funding, Silicon Microgravity completed a feasibility study and initial development on an ultra-precise gyroscope based on their resonant MEMS technology, a critical part of inertial measurement which is used in GPS-denied environments. This technology has applications both in military and civilian markets.

During their first discussions with DASA, they discovered the immense potential of their MEMS technology and its applicability to a wide range of defence-related solutions. Through the feasibility study as part the Open call, Silicon Microgravity was also able to develop links into the defence sector, engage with large defence contractors, and now has two development contracts with a large global defence contractor and is in active discussions with others, both within the UK and overseas.

Having further developed their resonant MEMS technology for gravity applications, Silicon Microgravity submitted their next innovation to DASA in 2021, to receive a Defence Innovation Loan to help commercialise their tunnel detection technology. The Cambridge-based SME was granted a Defence Innovation Loan of £750,000, which they will use to further develop the underground detection technology in preparation for field trials in the first half of 2024. The loan will also help commercialise the product, for potential use in applications such as security, border control, defence, cartography, civil engineering and infrastructures/utilities.

Francis Neill, CEO of Silicon Microgravity, said: “DASA have been absolutely fundamental in helping to get Silicon Microgravity to the stage where we will shortly be commercialising what is becoming recognised as world leading technology in gravity sensing and inertial navigation. Not only does our technology have defence applications but it is very much in line with the UK’s strategy of creating an international technology superpower. DASA have provided both market and >fund raising assistance in addition the project specific funding.”

DASA’s A2MF Team mentors Silicon Microgravity for future investment opportunities

As part of the post-contract support, DASA’s Access to Mentoring and Finance (A2MF) team has been helping Silicon Microgravity with market readiness and future investment. The A2MF team assisted Silicon Microgravity in perfecting their pitch to potential investors by offering workshops to improve presentation content and pitch decks. This culminated in the DASA Investment Showcase in 2021, where Silicon Microgravity was invited to present their business and innovative ideas to investors, alongside other innovators.

Silicon Microgravity was able to secure additional investments and build belief in their project thanks to the invaluable experience and skills gained from the A2MF team, along with their successful application through Defence Innovation Loans.

Need help bringing your defence innovation to market?

Silicon Microgravity has made great strides in a short period of time and is preparing for an exciting year ahead, starting field trials, commercialising both their gravity and inertial products, building export markets, adding high value UK jobs and more than doubling revenue. Since their first meeting with DASA in 2017, they have made significant progress by conducting field trials, commercialising their innovation with the help of Defence Innovation Loans, attracting new investors, and expanding their organisation.

Defence Innovation Loans Key points:

Exclusively for SMEs
Innovations must be at Technology Readiness Level 6 or above
Loans from £100,000 – £2m
Loans can cover up to 100% of project costs to aid commercialisation of the solution
Below market interest rate
In partnership with Innovate UK

Learn more about Defence Innovation Loans here and submit an application: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/competition-defence-innovation-loans

02 Aug 23. UK Space Agency funding for technologies to monitor the Earth.

Funding for satellite Earth Observation technologies, which are critical to improving humanity’s understanding of our planet and its climate, is now available. The £15m UK Space Agency funding will support the research and experimental development of space-based instruments, aimed at supporting a range of environmental services, which could include meteorology, climate monitoring, environmental management, agriculture and urban planning, and improving scientific knowledge.

The UK is already a world leader in Earth Observation (EO) tools, technologies, and data use. This funding will help to accelerate the development of promising UK EO technologies which could be flown on satellites in the next few years.

The National Space Strategy in Action report, published in July, set out the government’s plans for how the UK will remain at the forefront of EO technology and know-how for commercial and public services.

Minister of State at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology George Freeman MP, said:

Earth Observation technology is critical to tackling the fundamental challenges of our age – from monitoring climate change to responding to humanitarian disasters – and so we owe it to the future of our planet to harness the UK’s world-leading skills in this field.

This pivotal technology doesn’t stop there and from ensuring the safety of bridges to enabling our farmers get the best from their land, this £15m investment will boost our economy and drive forward our ambition to make the UK a science superpower.

The Earth Observation Technology Programme funding, delivered by the Centre for Earth Observation Instrumentation (CEOI), is part of a £400m package announced in November 2022 to support the UK’s Earth Observation sector.

Harshbir Sangha, Missions and Capabilities Delivery Director at the UK Space Agency, said: “Satellite technology is essential to our daily lives, helping us to monitor climate change and protect our environment, manage our resources, respond to global humanitarian disasters and support sustainable development. This funding will help catalyse investment across the sector to support a range of innovative projects, from developing new sensor technologies to using the data for improved understanding of climate change.”

The £15m funding will cover Pathfinder projects of up to £75,000, Fast Track projects of up to £250,000, and Flagship projects of up to £3m.

Pathfinder and Fast Track projects will support new and innovative ideas for technology development, including early-stage research and lab-based experimental hardware.

Flagship projects will develop technologies further, including testing instruments in relevant environments such as vacuum chambers and airborne demonstration flights.

Chris Brownsword, Director of the Centre for Earth Observation Instrumentation, said: “This call for grant proposals is the 16th the CEOI has released on behalf of the UK Space Agency and represents a significant increase over past funding opportunities. It will continue to support innovative new technology developments, paving the way for future novel UK developed instruments, but importantly will also provide significantly larger grants to make a step change in the pace of technology development. It has been recognised that previous CEOI calls have had major impact across the entire UK Earth Observation community; bringing together academia and industry to develop UK owned technologies. We are excited to see what successes this new call can facilitate.”

Since 2016 the Earth Observation Technology Programme has provided £20m in funding across a total of 57 projects. These include a next Generation Synthetic Aperture Radar for Oceanography led by the National Oceanography Centre with Airbus, a Compact Infrared Imager and Radiometer led by the University of Oxford, and a Laser Heterodyne Radiometer led by RAL Space.

This funding opportunity is the latest in a series of technology development activities the UK Space Agency has issued under its Earth Observation Technology Programme. Since 2016 this programme has provided £20m in funding across a total of 57 projects, with many of these now progressing on their roadmaps towards flight on commercial, societal and research space missions.

These include a next Generation Synthetic Aperture Radar for Oceanography led by the National Oceanography Centre with Airbus, a Compact Infrared Imager and Radiometer led by the University of Oxford, and a Laser Heterodyne Radiometer led by RAL-Space.

Additional quotes:

Professor John Remedios, Executive Director of the National Centre for Earth Observation, said: “The UK has a proud history of developing satellite instruments which have transformed our understanding of the global Earth system from ocean temperature change to polar ice melt. Working together, the new investment will enable the UK to design and test our next ‘eyes on our world’. The UK has a vibrant community of Earth Observation scientists in our research laboratories, universities and industry who can bring novel technologies, smart mathematical algorithms and exciting datasets into leading partnerships across the world.”

Dr Jonathan Taylor, Principal Fellow at the Met Office, said: “Investment in Earth Observations (EO) is vital for the ongoing development in weather and climate research and prediction. We look forward to working with successful applicants to understand how the Met Office and our partners can benefit a wide range of users with innovative services and information from new EO technology.” (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

01 Aug 23. Eyeing defence tech, NATO seals world’s first multi-sovereign fund. Deep Tech disruptive solutions including autonomous systems, hypersonic gliders, and quantum computing, stand to benefit from the €1bn fund. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) announced 1 August that twenty-three NATO Allies have taken the official step of becoming Limited Partners of the NATO Innovation Fund (NIF).

This sets the stage for the NIF to commence its inaugural investments in the coming months, using its €1bn ($1.1bn) multi-sovereign venture capital fund, the first of its kind, to back Deep Tech projects in a variety of disruptive areas of the defence and security markets.

NATO states that NIF grants and funding will be centred on pursuing the Emerging and Disruptive Technologies (EDTs) outlined in its 2022 Strategic Concept.

Participating allies have expressed their warm reception towards Sweden’s expressed interest in becoming a member of the NIF, following the nation’s recent entry into NATO.

“As a member of NATO, Sweden will contribute to the strength of the Alliance, not only through our geo-strategic location and military capabilities, but also through a vibrant security and defence industry that promotes innovation and development of cutting-edge technology,” said Pål Jonson, Minister of Defence, Sweden. “This is further enabled through participation in the NATO Innovation Fund.”

Deep Tech challenges and NATO solutions

The fund intends to directly invest in start-ups situated within the 23 participating Allied nations, as well as to invest in Deep Tech funds that have a significant impact across the trans-Atlantic region, over a 15-year period

Deep Tech initiatives are characterised by high cost research and design (R&D) processes to meet a specific problem. As an investment vehicle, Deep Tech is distinct from conventional tech companies that typically have low R&D requirements but higher marketing and business analytics costs as the company seeks to scale, and understand its fit with the market. In contrast to this, Deep Tech looks to tackle well defined challenges that have a recognised customer base, but need to invest tremendously in technology that may or may-not work in order to even achieve a minimum viable product.

Because of the high up-front costs and uncertainty, finding backers can be tricky from the outset, but these investments are essential for the private sector to foster disruptive technological solutions. NIF has a laundry-list of ambitious objectives it is seeking to achieve through backing Deep Tech innovators, including hypersonics, quantum technology, artificial intelligence and autonomy, and next-generation communications.

The fund also has interest in supporting advances in biotechnology, energy and propulsion and operations in space. Understanding the complex demands of this work, the fund offers “patient capital to meet the needs and timelines of Deep Tech innovators and to secure an enduring future for the Alliance’s 1bn citizens,” according to a release from NATO.

NIF’s sister, DIANA

While NIF is a the world’s first multi-sovereign venture capital fund, it does have the opportunity to draw on the experience of its ‘sister initiative’, the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA), and participants in DIANA’s programmes will be awarded grants and gain exposure to the NIF, according to the NIF website, which goes on to suggest that there may also be opportunities for DIANA start-ups to benefit from NIF funding.

DIANA is a NATO working body launched in 2021 to foster transatlantic cooperation on critical technologies and engage with the private sector as well as civilian bodies including academia. Its approach to selecting innovators has been though competitive industry challenges based on critical defence and security problems using deep-tech dual-use technologies.

As of June 2023, there are 91 DIANA test centres appearing in 21 countries across Europe, and 11 accelerators across Europe and the US. The initiative launched its first three challenges in 2023, on energy resilience, secure information sharing, and sensing and surveillance.

DIANA’s energy resilience challenge is to find a modular design for microgrids that are reliably able to meet supply demands. The fund’s challenge for secure information sharing is to create a secure information environment for live data streams, with low-latency video, augmented reality feeds, and digital radio.

Regarding the DIANA challenge for sensing and surveillance, the initiative is interested in systems for subsurface coastal zones, that could extend to “seafloor mapping, undersea infrastructure monitoring, manmade object and marine-life tracking, climate-change-effects sensing, and patterns-of-life visualisations.” (Source: Google/army-technology.com)

30 Jul 23. UK to sign major deal with BAE for new nuclear submarine class. Plans have surfaced from a recent ‘Departmental Minute dated 28 June 2023‘ indicating the Ministry of Defence’s intent to contract BAE Systems for the ‘Detailed Design and Long Lead Items‘ phase of a new class of nuclear submarine.

The new submarines, christened the ‘Ship Submersible Nuclear AUKUS‘ (SSN-AUKUS), are marked to replace the existing Astute Class submarines.

According to the Minute, the ‘Detailed Design and Long Lead Items’ (D2L2) contract with BAE Systems, the UK’s only submarine builder capable of this critical Defence requirement, includes ‘procurement commitments with the supply chain for Long Lead Items‘ along with early steel fabrication at the Barrow Site.

BAE Systems has requested enhanced protection, beyond the usual Defence Contractual Conditions, covering potential outstanding commitments and rationalisation costs if the contract is terminated. As such, the contract includes non-standard clauses which could create liabilities if the MOD were to terminate the contract or refrain from awarding a subsequent one.

Significantly, the Minute explains that, “The non-standard clauses commit the MOD to fund committed spend on long lead items and for allowable and reasonable rationalisation costs in the case of termination of convenience or force majeure, and reasonable rationalisation costs in the event of a termination due to contractor default.”

While these potential financial liabilities are recognised, the MOD perceives these risks as ‘remote,‘ given the strategic significance of the SSN-AUKUS Programme.

However, the document admits the liabilities are “currently deemed unquantifiable due to the early stages of the programme.” The total financial commitments and plausible rationalisation costs are uncertain at this stage.

The Treasury, according to the Minute, has “approved the proposal in principle.’ Nonetheless, final approval will be held back if objections are raised within the span of ‘fourteen parliamentary sitting days”.

The AUKUS class submarine – What do we know?

The SSN-AUKUS submarines will be the largest, most advanced and most powerful attack submarines ever operated by the Royal Navy and Royal Australian Navy, combining world-leading sensors, design and weaponry in one common hull.

In September 2021, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States revealed a significant trilateral initiative known as AUKUS, with the aim of assisting Australia in obtaining conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines (SSNs).

After an 18-month evaluation period to determine the most suitable approach for Australia to attain this capability, a model has been selected that is based on the UK’s leading-edge design and integrates advanced US submarine technology.

Both Australia and the UK will manufacture new submarines following this design, referred to as “SSN-AUKUS.” The UK’s submarines will primarily be constructed in Barrow-in-Furness, while Australia will focus on developing its submarine industrial base over the next decade. Australian submarines will be built in South Australia, with some components produced in the UK.

The first UK submarines utilising this design are expected to be delivered in the late 2030s to replace the current Astute-Class vessels, with Australia’s submarines scheduled to follow in the early 2040s.

(Source: News Now/https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/)

EUROPE

02 Aug 23. HYDIS² consortium project for hypersonic defence interceptor proposed for funding by the European Commission.

In May 2023, the HYDIS² consortium, composed of 19 partners and more than 20 subcontractors across 14 European countries, submitted a proposal for a concept architecture and technology maturation study of an endo-atmospheric interceptor against new high-end emerging threats, in the framework of the European Defence Fund 2023 work programme. On the 12th of July 2023, following a positive evaluation, the European Commission proposed the project for funding.

The consortium, coordinated by MBDA, proposed HYDIS² (HYpersonic Defence Interceptor Study), a project that brings together Defence groups, institutions, SMEs, mid-caps and universities. It gathers the best competences in the domains of missiles from across the European Union. France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands have already confirmed their support and commitment by signing a Letter of Intent and agreeing on Initial Common Requirements.

The objective of HYDIS² is to study various interceptor concepts and bring to maturity the associated critical technologies to deliver the best counter-hypersonic and anti-ballistic interception solution that fulfils the four Member States needs and addresses the needs of the European PESCO TWISTER capability programme. This is a central element of the contribution of European states to the mission of defence of populations and armed forces, in particular against the emerging hypersonic threats that constitute a radical change from ballistic ones.

The HYDIS² consortium brings together 19 partners and more than 20 subcontractors in 14 European countries. The partners are ArianeGroup, AVIO, Avio Aero, Bayern-Chemie, CIRA, DLR, GKN Fokker, LYNRED, MBDA España, MBDA France, MBDA Germany, MBDA Italia, OHB System AG, ONERA, ROXEL France, THALES LAS France, TDW, THALES Netherlands and TNO.

HYDIS² contributes to the AQUILA interceptor project, proposing the most valuable counter-hypersonic interceptor concepts for European nations, alongside a global area defence portfolio with other MBDA air defence products.

31 Jul 23. OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation) has awarded Naviris and eurosam a contract for the Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) of the French and Italian Horizon frigates. The two co-contractors, Naviris and eurosam, will work in close relationship with their shareholders, Fincantieri and Naval Group for the frigate, MBDA Italia, MBDA France and Thales for the new generation of Principal Anti-Air Missile System & Long-Range Radar (PAAMS & LRR).

The value of the contract for Naviris and eurosam is euro 1.5bn. More in detail, in the coming days Naviris will finalize subcontracts, including the one with Fincantieri, which will have a value of 211m euros and constitutes a major related party transaction defined in compliance with the relevant applicable regulations.

With this upgrade, Horizon class frigates will receive a state-of-the-art modernization of the entire vessel and the enhancement of their anti-warfare capabilities. New weapon systems and associated Command and Control, and electronic warfare suites will provide highest capabilities and performances against the most modern threats. Regarding anti-air warfare, the new generation of PAAMS & LRR is a very significant upgrade and the system will be able to defeat the threats of the decade to come as missiles (hypersonic, ballistic, supersonic sea-skimmer, high velocity cruise), UAVs and highly maneuvering aircrafts, in a saturation attack scenario.

Damien Raby, Naviris’ CEO and Enrico Bonetti, Naviris’ COO declared: “We are very proud of today’s achievement; the contract signed today is the result of a route, jointly walked with our partner eurosam and our Customers: OCCAR, which we sincerely thank for the excellent work done, Directorate of Naval Armaments of the Secretariat General of Defence / National Armaments Directorate and French Armament General Directorate (DGA), started with the award of the feasibility studies which will make even more solid the execution of the programme. This contract is a fundamental step for Naviris in demonstrating its capability to execute a multinational programme and it further reinforces the role of the joint venture as center of gravity in the cooperation among Fincantieri and Naval Group, also with the partnership of Leonardo and SIGEN (ELT and Thales)”.

Eva Bruxmeier, Managing Director of eurosam stated: “PAAMS & LRR, unique System deployed on the four French and Italian frigates, has been successfully engaged all over the world for more than 15 years in synergies with PAAMS & LRR – UK variant deployed on the six Type-45 destroyers. This new generation of PAAMS & LRR for the frigates, developed and produced by eurosam through MBDA Italia, MBDA France and Thales and integrated jointly with Naviris on the frigates, relies on an enhanced missile (ASTER Block 1 NT), an upgraded launcher, two new AESA radars (Kronos Grand Naval from Leonardo and SMART-L MM/N from Thales) and a new open software architecture command and control system”.

The Horizon frigates were originally built between 2000 and 2010 as part of a joint programme between Fincantieri and Naval Group, providing the Italian and French navies with innovative frigates with anti-air capabilities. The PAAMS & LRR system was original

29 Jul 23. European Defence Fund EUR43m counter UAS tender has a deadline of November 22. In June 2023 a European Defence Fund EUR 43m counter-UAS tender (EDF-2023-DA-AIRDEF-CUAS) was launched with a deadline of 22 November 2023.

The specific objective of this topic is to:

tackle safety and security concerns (e.g. malevolent users attempting deliberately hostile missions such as the use of explosive payloads, ISR);
consider the various threats in their environmental and operational context as mitigation options may vary from different scenarios (e.g. depending on the size of the area to protect, the value of the unit to protect, the reaction time required and the need to minimise fratricide and collateral damages);
provide a suite of solutions to comply with a broad set of rules of engagement (ROEs), each adapted to the surrounding environment and the operational scenarios (including the transition from peace-time to war-time), including from a sensing perspective;
cover fixed (i.e. continuous protection of Forward Operating Bases (FOB), critical infrastructures, 24/7, at reasonable operational and maintenance costs), deployed (i.e. quick deployment with minimum logistic support, as well as rapid integration of additional sensors and effectors within a recognised open architecture, for tactical military activities as well as civil events) and mobile (i.e. protection of mobile units/elements) applications;
include a set of various C-UAS capabilities, such as navigation systems spoofing, RF jamming, kinetic effectors (soft/hard with lethal or non-lethal effects), catch or hit-to-kill by a swarm subset or direct energy weapons (e.g. high-power lasers and/or microwaves);
improve identification and classification capabilities of the system.:

The proposals must address the development of a C-UAS system, from a detailed design (i.e. critical design review) up to a system prototype to be tested and qualified in relevant defence operational scenarios, demonstrating its ability to:

with a selection of passive and active sensors, detect, track, classify, identify, support decision making and counter class I UAS (single and/or multi-UAS) through an optimal selection and activation of relevant effectors using multiple technologies;
ensure effective protection of critical defence infrastructure, installations and assets;
operate with limited impact on existing communications or position and navigation infrastructures.

In addition, the proposals may address other operational scenarios, if deemed relevant.

The following table lists the types of activities which are eligible for this topic, and whether they are mandatory or optional (see Article 10(3) EDF Regulation):

Types of activities

(art 10(3) EDF Regulation)

Eligible?

(c) Activities that aim to create, underpin and improve knowledge, products and technologies, including disruptive technologies, which can achieve significant effects in the area of defence (generating knowledge)

(d) Activities that aim to increase interoperability and resilience, including secured production and exchange of data, to master critical defence technologies, to strengthen the security of supply or to enable the effective exploitation of results for defence products and technologies (integrating knowledge)

Yes(optional)

(c) Studies, such as feasibility studies to explore the feasibility of new or upgraded products, technologies, processes, services and solutions

Yes(optional)

(d) Design of a defence product, tangible or intangible component or technology as well as the definition of the technical specifications on which such a design has been developed, including any partial test for risk reduction in an industrial or representative environment

Yes(mandatory)

(e) System prototyping of a defence product, tangible or intangible component or technology

Yes(mandatory)

(f) Testing of a defence product, tangible or intangible component or technology

Yes(mandatory)

(g) Qualification of a defence product, tangible or intangible component or technology

Yes(mandatory)

(h) Certification of a defence product, tangible or intangible component or technology

Yes(optional)

(ii) Development of technologies or assets increasing efficiency across the life cycle of defence products and technologies

Yes(optional)

The proposals must cover at least the following tasks as part of the mandatory qualification activities:

the proposals must address the qualification of the prototype to be developed, based on use cases jointly agreed by the supporting Member States and EDF associated countries (Norway);
in particular, the proposals must address the provision of drawings, reports, analyses, certification plan and data in view of future certification of the system by the supporting Member States and EDF associated countries (Norway) authorities.

In addition, the proposals must substantiate synergies and complementarity with activities described in the call topic EDIDP-CUAS-2020 Counter Unmanned Air Systems (UASs) capabilities.

Moreover:

projects addressing activities referred to in point (d) above must be based on harmonised defence capability requirements jointly agreed by at least two Member States or EDF associated countries (or, if studies within the meaning of point (c) are still needed to define the requirements, at least on the joint intent to agree on them)
projects addressing activities referred to in points (e) to (h) above, must be: supported by at least two Member States or EDF associated countries that intend to procure the final product or use the technology in a coordinated manner, including through joint procurement

And based on common technical specifications jointly agreed by the Member States or EDF associated countries that are to co-finance the action or that intend to jointly procure the final product or to jointly use the technology (or, if design within the meaning of point (d) is still needed to define the specifications, at least on the joint intent to agree on them).

Functional requirements

The proposed product and technologies should meet the following functional requirements:

The C-UAS system should include battlefield management features, providing for the following capabilities:

ensure effectiveness of the protection of moving units and assets (e.g. ground formations, convoys, ships located in the vicinity of a harbour or coastal patrolling);
facilitate the interaction of C-UAS system with security and defence systems for fixed, deployed and mobile assets;
consider non-static, effector-dependent danger areas in order to reduce risk of blue-on-blue or collateral damage, when protecting groups of moving objects (e.g. convoys, formations);
ensure robustness and high availability, without being saturated in case of multiple threats (i.e. either single or multiple UAS units, either uncoordinated or operating as a team or as a single system, including swarms);
provide an extended range of operational performances (e.g. extended ranges for surveillance, detection, identification and neutralisation) to face possible improvements of UAS threats;
require minimum operator effort for decision making;
neutralise the threat with focus on semi-autonomous (or even manual) technical solutions (HITL);
in critical scenarios, where extremely high tempo and/or high threat volume prohibit the use of human sound judgement, provide options for temporarily allowing automatic C-UAS engagements with specified effectors in defined areas, within the LOAC and relevant ROE;
offer all-weather, 24/7 operational capability, in a wide variety of climate conditions;
provide simulation and training features in realistic scenarios;
provide real-time playback functions for mission analysis, training and other purposes;
require limited logistic support for deployment and maintenance.

Regarding command and control (C2), the C-UAS system should be able to:

plan and monitor subsystems missions and conditions;
merge information from heterogeneous sensors;
report about any internal or external elements that could affect the system performances;
evaluate the possible engagement approaches to the operator, coordinate the engagement approach selected by the operator and report on the resulting outcomes;
balance the autonomous processing of information across the adopted sensors and timely report to a central Battle Management/C2 system in order to reduce operational manpower load and bottlenecks;
generate, disseminate and update real-time operational picture and alerts;
integrate multilayer C2 system with cross-security-domain approach;
allow subsystems dynamic deployment and multi-instance integration;
provide a range of selective engagement and mitigation alternatives with the ability to evaluate mission success probabilities and potential resulting drawbacks;
compute success probability, time to complete the neutralisation and drawback probabilities, depending on the characteristics of the effectors, for each of the possible neutralisation approaches;
integrate and connect all the sensors and the effectors in a local C2 station;
implement data fusion and automatic procedures and rules in order to focus human operations on action, resources coordination and cooperation. A user-friendly interface should be provided.

Regarding sensors, C-UAS should:

enable omnidirectional detection (e.g. rotating or staring) while also being capable of limiting the detection to a sector of choice;
include the capability of detection for non-cooperative UAS, including autonomous, in the suite of sensors, as well as various technologies for detection and tracking (e.g. EO/IR, RF, acoustic);
provide dynamic scalability of sensors and effectors using communication protocols that allow plug-and-play deployment.

In terms of data and information processing, the proposed solution should:

enable machine learning to allow using recorded signals or signatures in order to enhance the performance of target recognition and identification;
integrate, process and display different information sources for classification/identification (e.g. sensors information, ACO, civil UTM/ATM information…).

In terms of interfaces and interoperability, the C-UAS system should:

be based on an open, flexible, modular and scalable architecture based on a plug-and-play component approach which allows deployment of specific configurations adapted to the threat scenarios;
provide standard interfaces and interoperability with relevant foreseen UAS systems (e.g. U-space) and higher air defence C2 elements or other units.

The outcome should contribute to:

consolidating and validating doctrine and CONOPS in the field of C-UAS;
developing a comprehensive C-UAS capability for the EU and EDF associated countries;
reducing the minimum reaction time compared with current systems;
enhancing situation awareness and protection of critical areas and strategic assets;
ensuring interoperability with existing security and defence systems in order to easily adapt to current monitoring systems;
further increasing the effectiveness of C-UAS technologies/systems to be able to better counter the current and future UAS threat (including the use of MOTS UAS and swarms).

The list of all projects in this EUR714m EDF call comprise:

EDF-2023-DA-MCBRN-FCS: Federating CBRN systems; EUR 15 000 000; No fixed maximum number of projects (but normally 1 expected)
EDF-2023-DA-C4ISR-LCOM: Laser communications; EUR 17 000 000; No fixed maximum number of projects (but normally 1 expected)
EDF-2023-DA-C4ISR-TRPAS: Tactical RPAS; EUR 42 000 000; No fixed maximum number of projects (but normally 1 expected)
EDF-2023-DA-C4ISR-DAA: Detect and avoid; EUR 40 000 000; No fixed maximum number of projects (but normally 1 expected)
EDF-2023-DA-SENS-GRID: Sensor grid; EUR 27 000 000; No fixed maximum number of projects (but normally 1 expected)
EDF-2023-DA-CYBER-CSA: Full-Spectrum Cyber Situational Awareness for enhanced Cyberspace Operations Support; EUR 20 000 000; No fixed maximum number of projects (but normally 1 expected)
EDF-2023-DA-CYBER-DAAI: Deployable Autonomous AI Agent; EUR 26 000 000; No fixed maximum number of projects (but normally 1 expected)
EDF-2023-DA-SPACE-SSA: Initial operational capacity for Space situational awareness C2 and sensors; EUR 100 000 000; No fixed maximum number of projects (but normally 1 expected)
EDF-2023-DA-MATCOMP-MJR-CBDIN: Technologies and processes for maintenance, joining and repair through an innovation test hub; EUR 30 000 000 excluding remuneration of EDA; No fixed maximum number of projects
AIR-EDF-2023-DA-STFS: Smart technologies for next generation fighter systems; EUR 30 000 000; No fixed maximum number of projects (but normally 1 expected)
EDF-2023-DA-AIR-SPS: Self-protection systems; EUR 33 000 000; No fixed maximum number of projects (but normally 1 expected)
EDF-2023-DA-AIRDEF-CUAS: Counter unmanned aerial systems; EUR 43 000 000; No fixed maximum number of projects (but normally 1 expected)
EDF-2023-DA-GROUND-MBT: Main battle tank platform systems; EUR 20 000 000; No fixed maximum number of projects
EDF-2023-DA-GROUND-IFS: Long-range indirect fire support capabilities for precision and high efficiency strikes; EUR 27 000 000; No fixed maximum number of projects (but normally 1 expected)
EDF-2023-DA-NAVAL-MMPC: Modular and multirole patrol corvette; EUR 154 500 000 excluding remuneration of OCCAR; No fixed maximum number of projects (but normally 1 expected)
EDF-2023-DA-UWW-ASW: Unmanned anti-submarine and seabed warfare; EUR 45 000 000; No fixed maximum number of projects (but normally 1 expected)
EDF-2023-DA-UWW-MCMC: Future maritime mine countermeasures capability; EUR 45 000 000; No fixed maximum number of projects (but normally 1 expected)

For more information

https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/edf-2023-da-airdef-cuas;callCode=null;freeTextSearchKeyword=;matchWholeText=false;typeCodes=1,2,8;statusCodes=31094501;programmePeriod=null;programCcm2Id=null;programDivisionCode=null;focusAreaCode=null;destinationGroup=null;missionGroup=null;geographicalZonesCode=null;programmeDivisionProspect=null;startDateLte=null;startDateGte=null;crossCuttingPriorityCode=null;cpvCode=null;performanceOfDelivery=null;sortQuery=startDate;orderBy=asc;onlyTenders=false;topicListKey=callTopicSearchTableState

(Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

28 Jul 23. Saab offers four Expeditionary Submarines to the Netherlands. Supported by Sweden and the United Kingdom, Saab has today submitted its proposal for the replacement of Netherland’s current submarines. The proposal comprises four advanced Expeditionary Submarines with the latest innovations and technologies and includes a cooperation with Dutch shipbuilder Damen Shipyards Group.

Saab’s offered solution is based on a successful, proven and future-proof design. It will incorporate the latest capabilities and technologies, whilst its truly modular design will allow for new technologies as they evolve to ensure relevance for many years to come.

Saab and Dutch shipbuilder Damen Shipyards Group have cooperated since 2015 and the offer to build submarines to replace the Dutch Walrus-class is a balanced cooperation between the Netherlands and Sweden.

“The outstanding capabilities of the Expeditionary Submarine C718 meets and exceeds the Dutch needs and requirements long-term. Our offer constitutes a substantial contribution to the operational capability of the Dutch Defence Forces. Cooperation with local industry throughout the programme secures strategic autonomy for the Netherlands. These are Dutch submarines for the Royal Netherlands Navy,” says Mats Wicksell, Senior Vice President and head of Saab’s business area Kockums.

The C718 is an advanced Expeditionary Submarine that offers an unsurpassed level of endurance and exceeds the Royal Netherlands Navy needs for long-distance operations, sufficient accommodation, crew comfort and increased weapon payload capability.

As part of the proposal, Saab offers a proven and integrated weapon launching system and one of the best sensor-systems in the world. Saab’s innovative design features signature solutions to minimise detection by active sonars, all combined in an undetectable and extremely capable submarine.

The offer includes knowledge transfer to the Netherlands. Once delivered, the submarines will be fully maintainable by the Royal Netherlands Navy including upgrades throughout their lifespans.

Sweden, through Saab’s business area Kockums, has a long tradition in producing world class submarines. Four nations are currently operating submarines and submarine technology designed by Saab’s business area Kockums; Sweden, Australia, Japan and Singapore.

USA

30 Aug 23. Space Force responsive space mission enters ‘hot standby’ phase. The U.S. Space Force put its Victus Nox launch and satellite providers on call for a highly anticipated responsive space demonstration, notifying the companies that a 24-hour delivery window could open at any moment.

The Victus Nox mission, Latin for “conquer the night,” will demonstrate the ability to build a satellite, integrate it onto a rocket and place it in orbit on rapid timelines. Satellite manufacturer Millennium Space Systems, a Boeing subsidiary, and the mission’s launch provider Firefly Aerospace have been preparing for the effort since last September. Firefly is under a $17.6 m contract, and Millennium declined to disclose the value of its award.

Now, according to an Aug. 30 statement from Firefly, the companies are in what’s called a “hot standby” phase, which means that sometime within the next six months, the Space Force will request the satellite and rocket be available for launch.

The initial alert will go to Millennium, who will have 60 hours to deliver its satellite to Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, fuel the spacecraft and integrate it onto Firefly’s Alpha rocket’s payload adaptor. Then, 24 hours prior to the mission, the service will call on Firefly to complete its final pre-launch preparations, which includes attaching the payload to its vehicle.

Once on orbit, the company will have two days to make initial contact with the satellite, which will begin performing its space domain awareness mission soon after.

The limited details on timing and the rapid delivery plan are part of the service’s intent for Victus Nox, which aims to mimic as much as possible the operational conditions under which it would use the capability, dubbed Tactically Responsive Space.

The service wants to have an enduring responsive space capability as soon as 2026, which would allow the service to quickly launch satellites into space either to respond to an in-orbit threat or augment a degraded or destroyed system. That could mean having a spare satellite on orbit that could be turned on or maneuvered into position as needed, working with commercial partners to buy data in a crisis or, as in the case of Victus Nox, have a satellite on the ground that’s ready to be launched on demand.

Victus Nox is the Space Force’s second tactically responsive mission. The first flew in 2021 on a Northrop Grumman Pegasus XL rocket. The service is making plans for a third launch, this time working with the Defense Innovation Unit. DIU announced Aug. 24 that the effort, dubbed Victus Haze, would focus on “end-to-end execution using commercial capabilities.”

The agency plans to award contracts for Victus Haze this fall.

(Source: C4ISR & Networks)

REST OF THE WORLD

23 Aug 23. Troop pack replacements on the way as Armscor seeks new APCs. Lightly modified Toyota Land Cruisers have served as the primary transport for South African Army soldiers on the border protection tasking Operation Corona for just on six years and are now due for replacement.

Progress in this regard is evident from input given by SA Army Director Force Structure Development Plan, Brigadier General Bruce Motlhoki, to what Major Kgaugelo Mmekwa of SA Army Corporate Communication reported was a stakeholder meeting with the South African defence industry (SADI) in mid-July to “foster collaboration and establish clear expectation regarding borderline patrol evaluation”. The SADI/landward force meeting was held at the CSIR (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research) in Pretoria.

The SA Army is the major South African National Defence Force (SANDF) contributor to Operation Corona, providing the 15 companies (sometimes referred to as “sub units”), from its regular and reserve components to maintain South Africa’s territorial integrity along its 4 800 km plus land borders with six countries.

Motlhoki is reported as telling the meeting “amid austerity measures the SA Army is mandated to have a more robust approach”. Replacing the current fleet of troop packs (as the Land Cruisers were named) with “improved vehicles” will enhance border security and safeguarding operations. “The acquisition of new personnel carriers will reduce the potential risk to national security by creating deterrence and stopping cross-border movement in order to have non-porous borders,” the one-star is quoted as saying.

“Functional evaluation” of troop packs offered to replace the Land Cruisers, which were imported from Australia in an SA Army acquisition, by the local defence industry starts on 20 October and ends on 14 November. “Different centres of excellence” will focus on command and control, firepower, mobility, “superior protection”, intelligence and sustainability with driver training concentrating on operator obstructions, tactics and off-road critical mobility.

The personnel carriers offered will be part and parcel of the landward force’s major exercise – Vuk’uhlome – at its Northern Cape Combat Training Centre (CTC) in November. Apart from being on display for close-up inspection they will reportedly also demonstrate capabilities.

When the first soft-skinned Land Cruisers, some sporting chromed wheels as an indicator of their antipodean origin, were taken into service in November 2017, a final figure of 435 vehicles was given. This would see all 15 companies deployed at any one time on border protection with 29 vehicles per company: 18 configured for troop transport, three in logistics configuration, four command and control variants and four ambulances. There is currently no indication of vehicle numbers and configurations needed.

“After a successful acquisition process the new personnel carriers will be utilised at points of entry including the Lesotho borderline, the Mozambique/Swaziland borderline [specified as Ndumo] and the Zimbabwe borderline,” Mmekwa wrote.

National Treasury has allocated nearly R1bn to improve SANDF border security capabilities over the next three years. Major General Thembelani Xundu explained to the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans (PCDMV) earlier this year that R700m was allocated for border safeguarding technology in 2024/5 and 2025/26.

In the medium term, troop pack vehicles will be replaced with off-the-shelf vehicles and R500 m will be spent in 2024/25 for this. The SANDF wants to replace the troop packs with armoured personnel carriers (APCs), which would serve with all 15 companies on Operation Corona duty. In January this year, Armscor issued a request for information for APCs for an indication of what new vehicles would cost, with responses ranging from R6 m to R18 m each. Armscor planned to request three vehicles for the upcoming borderline test and by the end of the year decide which is best and how many the SANDF can afford.

January’s request for information called for a 2+8 seat APC for counter-insurgency operations with variable ballistic and mine protection, including the ability to defeat an 8 kg mine. The vehicles would replace or supplement Mamba and Casspir vehicles.

In addition to new vehicles, R200m worth of sensor technology will be acquired for Operation Corona in 2025/6 including a geographic information system (GIS) capability (R22.5m); intelligence collection and processing capabilities (R47 m under Project Baobab); upgraded Chaka command and control system (R7.2 m); Reutech RSR 903 radars (R5 m); 60 observation posts (R16m under Project Dominate); 16 quadcopter unmanned aerial vehicles (R16m) and two long range UAVs (R24 m).

(Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)

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