Tactical RPAS

Dstl is seeding low-TRL autonomy ideas with small, fast contracts and a signalled £600k Phase 2 follow-on, a low-barrier entry point into UK MOD autonomy work. Relevant to autonomy/robotics research teams and university-linked startups; note Stage 1 has already closed, so only invited applicants can now submit. Do: If invited at Stage 1, submit your Stage 2 proposal via the UKDI Online Submission Service before midday 17 September 2026; otherwise watch for the Phase 2 competition and the Dstl Autonomy Programme Incubator's next call.

Continued build-out of Poland's main MALE UAV base (Mirosławiec) includes purpose-built hangars and hardened ground control station shelters, indicating sustained infrastructure spend around unmanned aviation. Relevant to construction subcontractors and to suppliers of GCS shelters, power/generator sets and airfield electrical/telecom systems in Poland. Do: Contact DUNA Polska S.A. and LOGON S.A. as subcontractor for hangar structures, shelter systems, MV/LV power and airfield telecom works at Mirosławiec.

A mid-size civil/dual-use underwater robotics buy in an Atlantic region, won by a Spanish integrator rather than a Portuguese or northern-European ROV house — a reference point for UUV/ROV makers on who is winning Iberian research-vessel work. Relevant to ROV/UUV builders and subsea sensor, tether, manipulator and control-software suppliers. Do: If you supply subsea sensors, manipulators, tethers or ROV control software, approach OMIL & GONZALEZ SL as integrator for the Azores research-vessel ROV module build.

UKDI is the main low-barrier UK entry point for single-company defence innovation funding, and the Defence-side route is being rebuilt after the Defence Investment Plan — meaning the Security Open Call is currently the only broad open door. Relevant to autonomy, space, sensing and security-tech scale-ups and SMEs able to bid alone without a consortium. Do: Submit to the Security Open Call 2026 Cycle 1 by 27 August 2026 or Innovation Support to Operations Cycle 8 by 22 September 2026 via the UKDI portal, and email accelerator@dstl.gov.uk for scope clarification; contact the UKDI Help Centre about Defence Innovation Loans while cycles are paused.