UK: AI-powered drones to detect explosive threats and protect military personnel

UK military personnel are set to be better protected on the battlefield as a result of trials which demonstrate cutting-edge AI in drones can rapidly recognise new threats, such as landmines and other explosive ordnance. The major trial by the Read More …

Clandestine U.K. Program Developed 3D-Printed ‘Suicide’ Drone For Ukraine

In an until-now secretive program, the United Kingdom has rapidly developed and flight-tested a number of “complex” drones that would be suitable for use by Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. While it’s unclear which of any of the unmanned Read More …

I was on all fours, examining the explosive materials I found in the suicide bombers’ kitchen – pepper, bleach and hair dye: Forensic expert tells explosive stories in gripping new book

It was as close to a vision of hell as I am ever likely to come across. I was in a dark tunnel of the London Underground, 100ft beneath Russell Square station. All the living and injured had been evacuated Read More …

UK: Dstl ‘briefcase bomb’ donated to Royal Logistic Corps Museum

The dummy device, constructed by 2 Dstl apprentices, will support educational outreach activity at the recently-opened museum at Worthy Down near Winchester. The Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) incorporates the Army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal regiments whose bomb disposal experts are called Read More …

NATO trials Dstl standard for counter-drone systems

Originally developed by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and Innovate UK, SAPIENT is an open software architecture that helps different sensors, interfaces and decision-making modules work together with little or no software engineering, and can improve efficiency through Read More …

Dstl announces armoured UGV concept study at DSEI

The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) has initiated a study into future Uncrewed Ground Vehicle (UGV) concepts to explore cost effective solutions to protect UGVs from threat and provide specific armour and technology that will ensure high levels of Read More …

UK: Dstl research and funding priorities

Guidance to industry and academia on priority areas and funding opportunities for science and technology, research and development, and innovation 2021 to 2025. The unprecedented increase in the defence budget will mean around £6.6 billion funding for research and development, Read More …

UK: Survey of explosives contamination in the environment

Scientists from the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) will shortly conduct an environmental survey across a number of different locations to detect and identify traces of explosives that are present in the general environment. The data is used to Read More …

Scottish uni developing robots for bomb disposal and nuclear decommissioning

A Scottish university will help create robotic technologies for bomb disposal and nuclear decommissioning jobs, taking humans out of harm’s way. Heriot-Watt University’s National Robotarium is working on the project with Sheffield-based robotics software firm Cyberselves and Resolve Robotics, of Read More …

Map the Gap: autonomous gap crossing survey Phase 2 Competition

This Phase 2 Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) competition, run on behalf of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), aims to develop and trial a number of system demonstrators able to tackle some of the key issues of gap Read More …

DASA UK Competition: Telexistence [Update]

This Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) competition, run on behalf of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), aims to develop and demonstrate the components of a telexistence solution to the defence and security community. There is the potential for Read More …

U.S. Army researchers collaborate with university alliance to advance protection materials

BALTIMORE – The U.S. Army continues to focus on priority research areas through its alliances with universities and industry. The Materials in Extreme Dynamic Environments Collaborative Research Alliance, or MEDE CRA, conducted its 2020 fall meeting Oct. 15. This meeting Read More …

Dstl’s new counter-terrorism facility opened by The Queen

The Queen, accompanied by the Duke of Cambridge, officially opened Dstl’s new state-of-the-art Energetics Analysis Centre and met specialist scientific staff. The UK’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) has been given a rare Royal visit during the COVID-19 pandemic Read More …

Competition Update: Innovative Research Call 2020 for Explosives and Weapons Detection

This Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) competition is seeking innovative proposals to develop and improve explosives and weapons detection capability. The Innovative Research Call (IRC) 2020 for Explosives and Weapons Detection is funded and supported by the Home Office, Department Read More …

DASA UK: Market exploration: robotic and autonomous systems (platooning)

The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) is scoping the potential for funding opportunities to develop the use of autonomy for logistic convoy operations. On behalf of the United Kingdom (UK) Ministry of Defence (MOD), we want to better understand the Read More …

UK: £2.8m innovation funding to boost detection of explosives, weapons and illicit drugs

DASA launches competition to find and develop new technology to screen people, possessions, goods, vehicles, areas and buildings The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) is launching a £2.8 million competition to find state of the art and technological solutions for Read More …

UK DASA: Competition Document – Autonomy in Challenging Environments Phase 2

This Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) Phase 2 competition is seeking proposals that can provide a step change in the capability of unmanned autonomous military systems to operate in challenging environments. Successful proposals will aim to deliver a greater level Read More …

UK DASA Competition Update: Invisible shield – Countering IEDs by novel technology and techniques

Electronic countermeasures (ECM) provide a crucial capability for UK Military and Security users, protecting the lives of our service personnel, emergency services and the public using Radio Frequency (RF) techniques to counter improvised explosive devices (IEDs). An IED is an Read More …