The UK Ministry of Defence’s innovation arm has initiated a significant funding competition aimed at enhancing the capabilities of autonomous sensor systems designed to identify and counter deception in intelligence and surveillance operations. This initiative, valued at one million pounds (approximately $1.3 million), is being launched on behalf of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) as part of its ongoing efforts to advance military technology.
This second phase of the themed competition, titled “Autonomous Sensor Management and Sensor Counter Deception,” invites participants to propose innovative sensor management systems that can autonomously operate within contested environments. Such environments are characterized by potential adversary tactics aimed at obscuring or manipulating intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) networks through methods such as hiding, spoofing, or confusing data streams.
The Ministry of Defence will fund up to two collaborative projects during this phase, even providing support to teams that did not participate in the initial phase of the competition. The ultimate objective is to achieve a Technology Readiness Level 6, which signifies that the proposed systems will be prepared for demonstration in relevant military environments by the end of the project.
Proposal submissions must demonstrate the ability to integrate seamlessly with existing ISR architectures by adhering to the SAPIENT standard, ensure support for open interfaces, and incorporate real sensing networks for practical demonstrations.
A focus of this initiative is autonomous sensor management, which entails the capability of systems to dynamically control and prioritize a network of sensors. This includes real-time data fusion, noise and deception filtering, and delivering actionable intelligence to decision-makers, all critical as military operations become increasingly complex and contested.
Globally, the urgency for such capabilities has gained traction. For instance, the US Air Force Research Laboratory awarded a contract to Sarcos Defense last year to develop a collaborative sensing platform employing artificial intelligence to effectively detect, track, and classify crucial targets, even under challenging conditions.
Additionally, Israel has made considerable strides in sensor fusion on a national level. Its airborne ISR platform, Oron, which operates from a Gulfstream G550, features an AI-enhanced sensor suite that integrates radar, electro-optical, and signals intelligence feeds, thereby delivering real-time wide-area surveillance and a unified operational picture for various military services.
In the private sector, companies like Australian firm Arkeus are also contributing to advancements in sensor management technology. Arkeus has introduced a hyperspectral optical radar (HSOR) optimized for ISR applications from drones or manned aircraft. This technology is designed to analyze imagery and detect anomalies or threats in near real-time, serving critical functions in maritime security, border surveillance, and reconnaissance operations.
Through this competition, the UK is positioning itself at the forefront of military innovation, focusing on technologies that can effectively navigate and counter the evolving tactics of adversaries in modern warfare.
