September 2026
UK firms gain access to Ukraine battlefield data for AI drone swarm development
British companies are set to gain access to Ukrainian battlefield data to develop new AI-enabled drone swarm systems. Up to 12 UK companies are expected to participate, using data from Ukraine’s Avengers AI Labs to train and test…
£5M Project PANOPTES opens for integrated counter-UAS capability
UK Defence Innovation has launched Project PANOPTES on behalf of the Ministry of Defence. The competition seeks integrated Counter-Uncrewed Aerial System capability capable of autonomous operation, with a share of £5 million available in the first phase. Stage…
July 2026
Innovation Support to Operations Cycle 8 targets rapid defence deployment
UKDI Cycle 8 is seeking cost-competitive technologies that can be manufactured and scaled rapidly for operational use. Proposals are expected around £350,000, with submissions closing 22 September 2026.
£3.16M plotted across three UK SMEs for low-cost drone interceptors
The Ministry of Defence awarded £3.16 million under the Low-Cost Air Defence Effectors programme. Three SMEs took the work, and all three are now scaling manufacturing capability in the UK.