UKDI COMPETITION OPEN: Project PANOPTES Counter-Mass Threats
UKDI has published a new competition, Project PANOPTES, seeking capability to defeat mass and low-cost threats, including drones and similar systems, in a cost-effective manner. For SMEs working in counter-UAS, directed energy, electronic warfare, or effectors, this is a live funding opportunity worth examining now. The signal gives no detail on values, phases, or deadlines, so the first step is to read the published notice directly.
Source →Tactical Radio Framework: SME Awarded £727M Lot Position
A Derbyshire SME designing and building radio accessories has been appointed to a government tactical communications framework, with its lot valued at an estimated £727 million. This confirms the framework is live and that SMEs can win positions on it, not just primes. If you work in tactical comms, accessories, or interoperability hardware and are not on this framework, it is worth identifying which framework this is and whether future lots or re-competitions are approaching.
Source →MOD Defence Spend with UK Industry Hits Record £34.1 Billion
MOD spending with UK industry rose 3.2% to £34.1 billion in 2025/26, with explicit reference to SME benefits and reindustrialisation. This is a published government figure, not a forecast, and it sets the backdrop for current pipeline activity. It also suggests the political pressure to route more work through UK SMEs is backed by actual spending data, which strengthens the case for SME-specific BD approaches to primes and to DE&S.
Source →MOD and Alloyed Co-Develop Sovereign Turbojet Engine in Seven Months
MOD and UK start-up Alloyed developed a digitally manufactured turbojet engine family, taking one from concept to flight in under seven months. For SMEs in propulsion, additive manufacturing, or UAS payloads, this signals MOD appetite for fast co-development with small firms using digital manufacturing methods. The signal does not detail funding routes or follow-on procurement, but the model, MOD partnering directly with a start-up on sovereign capability, is worth noting as a template.
Source →British Companies to Access Ukraine Battlefield Data for AI Drone Swarms
MOD has announced that British companies will gain access to Ukrainian battlefield data for the first time, specifically to develop AI models for drone swarms. This is a direct opening for SMEs working in autonomy, machine learning for defence, or uncrewed systems. Details on how to access the data or apply are not in the signal, so the published notice or UKDI channels are the place to look next.
Source →Counter-drone capability, sovereign autonomy, and AI-enabled uncrewed systems are where MOD is actively opening competition and funding access for UK SMEs right now, with Project PANOPTES and the Ukraine data initiative both pointing in the same direction.