UKDI Security Open Call 2026 Cycle 1 is live
UK Defence Innovation has published a new competition seeking proposals that address security challenges faced by government stakeholders. This is an open call, meaning it is not restricted to a named technology area, which widens eligibility across cyber, autonomous systems, C4ISR, and related fields. The signal confirms the competition document is published but gives no detail on funding levels, challenge themes, or closing date at this stage. What to look at: the full competition document at the GOV.UK link, specifically challenge statements, eligible applicant criteria, and submission deadlines.
Marshall Land Systems on £8bn Tactical Comms Framework RM6393
Marshall Land Systems has been appointed to Lot 1 of RM6393, the UK Government's Tactical Communication Systems framework, giving it an eight-year route into defence and public sector comms contracts. For SMEs working in secure communications, C4ISR, or battlefield networking, this signals who one of the active prime-level suppliers on that framework will be. If you supply into tactical comms and are not already on RM6393 or in conversation with Marshall, this appointment clarifies part of the supply chain structure for the next eight years. What to look at: which lots on RM6393 remain open to SME direct appointment, and whether Marshall is running any supply chain engagement alongside this.
Royal Navy quantum clock trial completed at Portsdown Hill
The Royal Navy's Disruptive Capabilities and Technologies Office ran a live trial feeding a UK-built quantum atomic clock from Aquark Technologies into a military radar network, testing it under simulated jamming and spoofing conditions. This is the first signal of sovereign quantum timing technology being validated in an operational military network context rather than a lab. For SMEs in PNT, timing, radar, or electronic warfare, this marks a step from research toward procurement-relevant demonstration. What to look at: DCTO's follow-on activity, Aquark's position as a named supplier, and whether further trials or a funded programme are referenced in MOD innovation pipelines.
MOD announces Royal Corps of Signals apprenticeship contract opportunity
The MOD has signalled an upcoming five-year contract, commencing August 2027, to support and supplement delivery of the Royal Corps of Signals Apprenticeship Programme. This is pre-market notice rather than a live tender, but it points to a named procurement coming to market within the next twelve months. Training providers or defence services SMEs with apprenticeship delivery capability in technical or signals disciplines have a window to position ahead of the formal competition. What to look at: MOD procurement channels for when the ITT or OJEU notice publishes, and the scope split between enrolment and training delivery mentioned in the signal.
SubSea Craft takes 40% stake in battery specialist LORILLION
SubSea Craft has acquired a 40% equity stake in LORILLION, a UK battery engineering firm, specifically to secure the power supply chain for its VICTA maritime insertion craft and fund a new Midlands production facility. This is a supply chain consolidation move by a defence SME, not a prime, and it points to growing pressure on sovereign battery and power systems availability in the maritime sector. For SMEs working in maritime power, energy storage, or underwater systems, this signals that vertical integration is becoming a competitive response to supply chain risk in this segment. What to look at: LORILLION's position in the broader maritime battery market and whether other maritime platforms face similar single-source risk that could open supplier opportunities.
the dominant theme today is early-stage positioning, whether that is a live innovation competition with UKDI, a framework appointment shaping the comms supply chain for eight years, or a pre-market signal on a named MOD training contract, the signals reward those tracking opportunities before they formally open.