The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) has set out how government backing for small and medium-sized firms is helping turn early-stage ideas into technologies now being used by the Armed Forces. The organisation says its support has also enabled several projects to be adapted for wider use in sectors including healthcare, transport and telecommunications.

Innovations range from blast-resistant protection blocks to advanced laser-detection cameras, as the UK aims to keep its forces at the forefront of NATO-level technology.

Since July 2024, £35m has been invested in projects across the country. The work will now feed into the newly established UK Defence Innovation body, created under the Strategic Defence Review and supported by a dedicated annual budget of at least £400m.