UK launches challenge for tactical power solutions

The UK has launched a new challenge to identify more “flexible, survivable, and resilient” approaches for the supply of tactical power to its army.  

According to UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) – part of the UK defence ministry – uncrewed systems, sensors, electronic warfare, and other capabilities have increased the levels of power required on the battlefield.  

However, the power systems currently in use by the British Army can produce high noise levels, be difficult to transport, and be “constrained” by refuelling needs.  

Announced by UKDI on 15 October, the Tactical Power Challenge is therefore seeking solutions that can improve the “generation, storage, distribution, and management of electrical power for deployed forces.” This will support a “significant procurement” of power solutions in 2027, UKDI says.  

Specifically, UKDI is interested in solutions such as, but not limited to:  

• High-speed charging technologies  
• Innovative electrical power generation systems  
• Power storage, management, and distribution solutions  
• Technologies that support silent operation and reduced logistical burden  
• Safer alternatives to lithium-ion battery chemistries with equal or greater energy density  
• Soldier-carried and localised power generation capabilities  

Companies with both complete systems and individual components may enter the challenge.  

How will the Tactical Power Challenge be run?  

The Tactical Power Challenge encompasses two “complementary” opportunities.  

The first is a competition, which aims to identify and develop tactical power capabilities currently at a technology readiness level (TRL) of four to six. A total of GBP2.45 million in funding is available to companies under this part of the challenge, with development expected to conclude by March 2028.  

The second opportunity is a non-funded market engagement to contribute to the army’s understanding of technologies nearing commercialisation. This part of the challenge is seeking technologies already at TRL of six or above with the potential to “address current operational requirements”. Companies with solutions that are of the “greatest interest” may be invited by the army to demonstrate their capabilities.  

A single application process will be used for both opportunities, with UKDI notifying companies whether their solution is more suitable for the competition or engagement.  

Companies entering the challenge must be based in the UK. The deadline to participate is 10 November.  

Wider opportunities  

UKDI says that companies with “solutions of particular interest” may be invited to further participate in unspecified future trials and experimentations.  

The Tactical Power Challenge is also being delivered alongside the Land Distributed Tactical Power Management Challenge, run by Australia’s Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA). 

UKDI highlights that challenge submissions may be shared with the Australian Department of Defence and the results of funded projects from the competition may also be shared with Australian and US defence partners.