MOD DUxDA (Defence UxS ((Uncrewed ‘x’ systems)) Design Authority): Face-to Face Industry Early Engagement Event – Expression of Interest

A new Team Defence-info supported MOD DUxDA face-to-face industry early engagement event has now been announced.

Please note: Expressions of interest must be submitted by close of play 11th March

Background – The UK Defence Drone Strategy 2024

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/defence-drone-strategy-the-uks-approach-to-defence-uncrewed-systems set the vision for the UK to be world – leading in uncrewed Defence systems. The approach to achieving this is through unparalleled collaboration and bold innovation built around four key objectives:

1. Expedite acquisition reform
2. Build a resilient industrial base
3. Define digital architectures for seamless integration
4. Foster a new culture of innovation

This strategy identified the need for a Defence-level governance mechanism to support pan-domain delivery plans of the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Airforce (incl Space). To support the strategy in the delivery of its vision the Defence UxS Design Authority (DUxDA) was established in Apr 24.

Who are DUxDA and what do they do? – They sit within Strategic Command with pan-Defence responsibility, core within these responsibilities is to…

• Cohere
• Collaborate
• Co-ordination

DUxDA provides improved co-ordination and coherence of MOD Uncrewed Systems activity to promote both value for money and improved Uncrewed capability across the entire Defence Enterprise (Air, Ground, On Water, Under Water, Space).

As a Design Authority it is a standalone, integrated highly experienced team responsible for maintaining the integrity of programme objectives and alignment of solutions (designs) to programme level requirements through the effective implementation of collaborative assurance and guidance. The agile services structure can be adapted and tailored for any programme design and delivers the following within the Uncrewed area.

• Standalone Design Authority service or integrated within existing Teams
• Flexibility to advise at all levels architectural and design areas
• Full cross-function, collaborative, embedded transformation lifecycle design assurance
• Operates as a trusted advisor for and appropriate MOD programme
• Has ownership of Programme architecture (business, processes, applications, technology, data)
• Transformation and transition roadmap definition, creation and delivery
• Deliver support across large-scale dynamic systems integration programmes
• Drive multiple improvement initiatives to de-risk the programme
• Ability to provide architecture and programme leadership and direction.

The DUxDA industry engagement event activity asks?  – The DUxDA will present the progress made and outputs delivered since forming Apr 24 and detail the strategy and key delivery milestones for the Defence UxS portfolio for the next 12 months. Industry engagement, feedback and support is critical to the successful delivery of the DUxDA strategy and key delivery milestones, and this face-to-face event will be the first of a series of events being planned through FY25/26 ultimately aimed at creating a one team structure between Defence and Industry to deliver the future capability road maps across Defence.

Should you get involved? – If your organisation is involved in the development and delivery of Uncrewed Systems to Defence you are encouraged to attend.

Why get involved? – Your contribution will enable you to understand the direction of travel from within Defence, shape, influence and assist MOD in its future direction for Uncrewed Systems.

There is also the opportunity to work as part of a team with equally capable and knowledgeable organisations within Defence and the wider Uncrewed Systems community.

This is an opening for wider industry experience and best practice to be showcased within the Defence environment.

This will enable:

• Understanding of how focus areas will interact to realise a future end state.
• Articulation of requirements for Uncrewed Systems capability across the enterprise.
• Development of capability roadmaps
• Alignment, pull through and learning from representative Uncrewed Systems capabilities.
• Assessment of potential system solutions and recommendations for future development.

If you would like to attend please complete the expression of interest form, this will close on 11th March.