Royal Navy Opens Market Engagement for Type 93 Uncrewed Underwater Vehicle
The Royal Navy has invited companies to register interest in the Type 93 extra-large uncrewed underwater vehicle and the AUKUS Signature Payload Programme, before any formal requirement is set. This is pre-procurement engagement, which means now is when the Navy wants to understand what industry can offer. For SMEs in autonomous systems, underwater sensing, or payload integration, being visible at this stage shapes the requirement. If you are not registered, you will not be in the room when the specification is written.
Source →MOD and QinetiQ Launch Project Safari for SME Test Access
MOD and QinetiQ have launched Project Safari, a joint programme specifically designed to open up access to UK test and evaluation facilities for SMEs, with a focus on hypersonic, directed energy, and autonomous systems. For smaller firms, the historic barrier has been that you cannot win contracts without test evidence, and you cannot get test evidence without facilities. This programme is designed to break that loop. Worth understanding what facilities are now accessible, under what terms, and whether your current development programme qualifies.
Source →MOD Sets Out UKDI Contracts Worth Up to £100 Million for Tech Firms
A parliamentary written answer confirms that UK Defence Innovation is offering accelerated contracts worth up to £100 million over four years, targeted at British technology firms with little or no previous MOD business. This is a direct statement of intent to fund and scale firms that have not yet broken into defence. The criteria, application process, and current open rounds are worth checking against your own position. Details in the signal are limited beyond the parliamentary confirmation.
Source →Kuwait Signs £370 Million AI Air Defence Contract with UK Firm MARSS
Kuwait has awarded a £370 million contract to Bristol-based MARSS Systems Limited for a layered AI-enabled air defence architecture combining jammers, radars, and interceptors. This is a significant export win for a UK SME in the C4ISR and AI command and control sector. It signals that Gulf states are actively buying UK AI-enabled air defence, and that a firm of SME origin can win at this scale. For others working in adjacent areas, radar processing, AI threat classification, or counter-UAS integration, this signals active demand and a credible procurement path through export channels.
Source →New Kyiv Business Centre Opens for UK Companies in Ukraine
A UK business centre has opened in Kyiv, providing a permanent base for UK companies operating in Ukraine, with an inaugural meeting already held. The signal is thin on commercial detail, but the establishment of a permanent physical presence points to MOD and government intent to facilitate longer-term UK industry engagement in Ukrainian reconstruction and defence supply. For firms working in relevant sectors, particularly those already engaged with Ukraine-related programmes, this is the access point worth tracking.
Source →MOD is moving on multiple fronts to open doors for SMEs, through test access via Project Safari, high-value UKDI contracts for new entrants, and early market engagement on autonomous underwater systems, making this a period where visibility and early engagement matter more than most.