UK Defence Innovation Launches Tactical Power Challenge
UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) has announced the commencement of the Tactical Power Challenge, aimed at enhancing the generation, storage, distribution, and management of electrical power for deployed military forces. This initiative is undertaken in collaboration with the British Army and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), as well as with support from Australia’s Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA).
The challenge invites innovative technological solutions that encompass a range of areas, from advanced energy storage and rapid charging systems to novel power generation methods. As modern military operations increasingly depend on electrically powered systems—such as communications, uncrewed vehicles, sensors, electronic warfare devices, counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) technologies, and edge computing—the need for adaptable and resilient energy solutions has never been more critical.
Overview of the Tactical Power Challenge
The Tactical Power Challenge is structured into two key components designed to cater to different technological readiness stages:
Innovative Tactical Power Solutions
This segment represents a two-stage funded competition aimed at identifying technologies that currently possess Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) between 4 and 6. A total funding pool of £2.45 million (excluding VAT) is available. Successful participants will undergo a rigorous evaluation process and may receive financial backing to further develop and validate their technologies, with project efforts anticipated to conclude by March 2028.
Immediate Power Problem
This aspect serves as a non-funded market engagement initiative, targeting technologies that have already reached TRL 6 or higher and can potentially meet current operational demands. Innovators whose solutions align closely with Army requirements may be invited to take part in forthcoming trials and experimentation activities in the UK.
Importance of Reliable Power for Military Operations
John Cunningham, Director of Innovation at UKDI, emphasised the necessity of reliable and deployable power in maintaining operational advantage. As the Defence sector adapts to increasingly complex environments, the quest for innovative technologies that can deliver resilient and flexible electrical power solutions for personnel is paramount. This challenge is pivotal in identifying and nurturing homegrown technologies that enhance operational energy resilience, support deployed forces, and fortify the UK defence innovation landscape.
Seeking Groundbreaking Solutions
The British Army is particularly interested in solutions that can enhance the provision, storage, recharge, distribution, and management of electrical power in tactical scenarios. Technologies of interest include:
- Safer alternatives to lithium-ion battery chemistries that offer equal or superior energy density
- High-speed charging technologies
- Innovative electrical power generation systems
- Power storage, management, and distribution solutions
- Technologies that facilitate silent operation and reduce logistical burdens
- Soldier-carried and localised power generation capabilities
- Integrated tactical power systems and their components
Both complete systems and individual components are encouraged, with a focus on supporting distributed operations and enabling commanders to manage electrical power as a deployable resource across dispersed formations.
The Necessity for Enhanced Power Solutions
Research conducted by the British and Australian Armies has revealed a marked increase in power requirements on the battlefield, largely due to the advent of modern digital and autonomous capabilities. The current reliance on fuel-powered generators poses challenges, such as noise, transportation difficulties, and limitations imposed by fuel resupply. Future military operations necessitate more flexible, survivable, and resilient approaches to power generation and storage.
Innovations derived from this challenge may significantly benefit future military operations by:
- Enabling silent power generation and storage
- Enhancing battlefield endurance
- Reducing dependency on fuel resupply
- Supporting autonomous and robotic systems
- Improving power resilience for command-and-control functions
- Increasing operational effectiveness in dispersed environments
Opportunities for Exploitation and International Collaboration
The technologies selected through the Tactical Power Challenge may play a crucial role in future defence procurement and capability development. The British Army currently has a demand for over 4,000 Lightweight Field Generators and is actively seeking ways to modernise its tactical power provision as existing systems near the end of their lifecycle.
Moreover, this initiative is conducted in conjunction with the Australian ASCA Land Distributed Tactical Power Management Challenge, facilitating international collaboration. Submissions may be shared with the Australian Department of Defence for assessment, and outputs from funded projects could be shared with defence partners in Australia and the United States under suitable information-sharing arrangements.
Key Dates for Participants
Important dates for the challenge are as follows:
- Stage 1 opens: 12 noon (GMT) Thursday 15 October 2026
- Stage 1 submission deadline: 12 noon (GMT) 10 November 2026
- Stage 2 submissions: by invitation only
- Demonstration activities to be completed by: March 2028
Invitation to Innovators
If you possess an innovative technology that could provide the Army with resilient, deployable, and operationally relevant power solutions, you are encouraged to review the complete competition details and submit your proposal through the UKDI Online Submission Service.