UKDI Security Open Call 2026 Cycle 2: Transport Security Added
UKDI has added a transport security and resilience focus area to its Security Open Call 2026 Cycle 2, run jointly with the Department for Transport. This is a live competition, not a pipeline signal, meaning proposals are being accepted now. SMEs working in areas like physical security, cyber-physical systems, surveillance, or network resilience have a direct route in. The competition document is published, so the scope, eligibility, and submission requirements are available to review immediately.
Source →MOD Trade and Industry Statistics 2026 Published
The MOD has published its annual accredited statistics on defence spending with industry and commerce for 2026. This is the primary public dataset for understanding where MOD money is going, which suppliers are winning, and which capability areas are attracting budget. For a BD lead without a dedicated market intelligence function, this is one of the few structured ways to size a market, identify prime contractor spend patterns, and spot gaps.
Source →British Companies to Access Ukraine Battlefield Data for AI Drone Swarms
MOD has announced that British companies will gain access to Ukrainian battlefield data for the first time, specifically to develop AI models for advanced drone swarms. This is a direct signal that a funded programme is forming around AI-enabled uncrewed systems, with SME access explicitly mentioned. Companies working in autonomy, computer vision, sensor fusion, or edge AI should note this is not a tender yet, but access to the data is the precursor to a competitive process.
Source →DESNZ Awards Automated Threat Sharing Contract via Cyber Security Services 3 DPS
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has awarded a contract for an Automated Threat Sharing Service through the RM3764.3 Cyber Security Services 3 DPS, following a competitive exercise. This confirms the DPS is active and being used by departments beyond the core MOD. SMEs on CSS3 should be aware that energy sector cyber contracts are flowing through this vehicle. Those not yet on the DPS should check eligibility, as it is a recurring route for cyber awards across government.
Source →Colindale to Porton Down 10Gb Fibre Circuit Procured
A 10 Gigabit national ethernet fibre circuit has been procured to connect the UKHSA Colindale site with Porton Down. The signal is thin on detail, including no contract value or vehicle used. What it points to is continued investment in high-capacity secure connectivity between sensitive government science and defence sites, a pattern relevant to firms in secure comms, network infrastructure, or defence-adjacent connectivity services watching Porton Down's supplier base.
Source →The dominant signal today is MOD actively opening routes for SMEs into AI, autonomy, and security innovation, with the UKDI competition and Ukraine data programme both pointing toward near-term funded opportunities for firms that move quickly to engage.