UKDI-backed maritime tech shown at AUKUS event in San Diego
Two companies funded by UK Defence Innovation demonstrated their innovations at the Maritime Big Play event in San Diego. This signals that UKDI is actively pushing funded companies into AUKUS-facing export and partnership opportunities, which means the AUKUS pillar two technology track is a live route for SMEs in maritime autonomy, underwater systems, or related sensing and comms work. If you are in those areas and not yet engaged with UKDI, this is worth understanding before the next funding round opens.
Source →British firms to get access to Ukraine battlefield data for AI drone swarms
The MOD has announced that British companies will gain access to battlefield data from Ukraine for the first time, specifically to develop AI models for advanced drone swarms. For SMEs working in autonomous systems, computer vision, or machine learning applied to UAS, this is a potential route to real-world training data that has previously been unavailable. Watch for a formal competition or access mechanism to follow. No details on that process are in the signal yet.
Source →MOD appoints first Director General Innovation
The MOD has appointed Anthony Reeves as its first Director General Innovation. This is a structural change in how MOD organises its innovation function, and it typically signals that commissioning, funding routes, and industry engagement will be reshaped around the new DG's priorities. SMEs that rely on DASA, UKDI, or other MOD innovation pipelines should track what changes to process or focus area follow. Details are limited at this stage.
Source →UK and Ukrainian drone firms meet at Larkhill to accelerate innovation
UK and Ukrainian defence companies showcased battle-proven drone technology together at Larkhill Garrison. For SMEs in UAS, counter-UAS, or related electronic warfare, this is a signal that MOD is creating deliberate industry-to-industry linkage with Ukrainian partners, likely as a precursor to joint development or procurement activity. Worth monitoring for follow-on supplier engagement events or procurement notices tied to this initiative.
Source →DSIT awards contract for international implementation of cyber standards
DSIT has awarded a contract through the CCS Cyber Security Services 3 DPS, via mini-competition, for technical support on the international implementation of standards covering critical and emerging technologies. For SMEs with cyber standards, secure-by-design, or technical assurance capability, this confirms that DSIT is actively commissioning work in this area through a live DPS route. If you are not registered on CCS RM3764.3, that is the access point to watch.
Source →The dominant theme today is MOD structuring itself more deliberately around innovation, from appointing a DG Innovation to opening battlefield data access and pushing funded companies into AUKUS forums, with drone and cyber technology the clearest areas of near-term commercial activity.