Autonomous Sensor Management and Sensor Counter Deception – Phase 2

The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA), part of UK Defence Innovation, is launching Phase 2 of the Themed Competition for Autonomous Sensor Management and Sensor Counter Deception. Run on behalf of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), this competition seeks innovations which will deliver practical autonomous sensor management methods to counter activity designed to deceive Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR). Building on Phase 1, which focused on developing algorithmic solutions and simulated demonstrations, Phase 2 will deliver solutions at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6, to be demonstrated using representative sensing networks. Projects are expected to run from May 2026 to December 2027 for not less than 18 months. £1 million funding is available (excluding VAT) provided by the Ministry of Defence Chief Scientific Adviser budget. DASA expects to fund up to two collaborative projects. Participation in Phase 1 is not a requirement to submit a proposal in Phase 2. The competition seeks autonomous sensor management and information fusion approaches to counter activity which seeks to deceive ISR operations, demonstration using a representative sensing network in a relevant environment, use of open standards including the SAPIENT standard, and innovations capable of being brought to market through appropriate collaboration.