MOD seeks info for Project Asgard

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for Project ASGARD, an initiative designed to enhance the UK’s reconnaissance and strike capabilities through a software-defined, network-enabled system, according to a pre-procurement notice published on 8 October 2024.

Project ASGARD is described as a system that will “set the conditions for the unfair fight”.

The RFI seeks industry input to help define key requirements for the project, which focuses on modernising battlefield operations through advanced technologies. The MOD has divided the project into three primary areas, or ‘tents’: Effectors, Digital Innovation, and Enhanced C4 ISTAR & Networks.

Under Tent 1, Effectors, the project aims to increase the range for delivering kinetic effects in support of brigade and divisional deep battles. It also aims to integrate “all appropriate effector capabilities with the in-theatre communications and data exchange systems(s)” to ensure seamless operational execution.

Tent 2, Digital Innovation, focuses on developing an “enhanced digital operational memory” that will underpin both the Common Intelligence Picture (CIP) and the Common Operating Picture (COP) across multiple security domains. The goal is to enable faster decision-making and greater manoeuvrability in the field.

Tent 3, Enhanced C4 ISTAR & Networks, is aimed at “modernising situational awareness within the company group, to increase tempo, dispersal, and concentration of lethal force for effect.”

This will involve integrating multiple in-service tactical CIS systems across different security classifications, as well as improving communication links to support greater force dispersal and survivability without the need for radio rebroadcast stations.

The MOD’s RFI highlights the need for “enhanced seamless passage of orders to and from NATO and UK formation Headquarters to the tactical level” to ensure that all levels of command are aligned during operations.

Interested industry participants are invited to submit 10-minute presentations outlining how they would address the ‘Problem Set’ related to one or more of these areas. The MOD will hold two response days for the RFI: an in-person event on 11 October 2024 at Army HQ, and a virtual session on 21 October 2024.

The MOD notes that the timeline for Project ASGARD is aggressive, with the aim to deploy a “DROP 1 solution in Q1 2025” and continue development through 2025, subject to contract.

The contract is flagged as being suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with the MOD seeking a diverse range of industry partners to help bring the project to fruition. Organisations can request further details by emailing the MOD with the subject line, and responses to the RFI must be submitted by 17 October 2024.