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The Uncrewed Systems Network (USN) is a new national initiative created to build a coherent, sustainable and industry‑led uncrewed systems (UxS) network for the UK. Aligned with the Strategic Defence Review, Defence Industrial Strategy, National Drone Strategy and UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) priorities, the USN brings together local and national government, industry, academia and investors, all behind a shared mission to collectively deliver this much needed capability, enhancing our national security, creating new jobs and driving Defence sector growth.

The USN’s mission: Inform – Engage – Collaborate – Deliver

To develop this network, we will be running a series of Uncrewed Systems workstream launch events and follow on workshops in 2026, diving into the critical areas required to deliver what is now clearly signposted as a core part of the MOD’s and NATO’s capability delivery plan for the next decade and beyond.

USN Workstream launch events
 
  • 11th June – Logistics & Supply Chain
  • 10th July – Dual Use & Export
  • 4th September – Technology
  • 2nd October – Skills & People
  • 3rd November – Testing & Certification
  • 3rd December – Funding & Investment
 
Location: STEAM Museum, Swindon
 

Using a true systems‑of‑systems approach, the USN will identify and address the current barriers limiting UxS capability development, scale‑up and commercialisation across this key sector for UK Defence. The series of six USN Workstreams will focus on the key themes required to build a sustainable UK UxS ecosystem, connecting today’s developing yet still fragmented UxS community, identifying key bottlenecks and challenges to growth, whilst developing clear recommendations to shape policy, regulation, funding, supply‑chain resilience, skills development and long‑term UK industrial advantage.

Each Workstream will follow a simple and consistent format. It will begin with a launch event that includes short briefings from relevant industry and government stakeholders, a Q&A session, and exhibitor space for companies to showcase their capabilities. The topics raised in these sessions will then be further explored in follow-on workshops, facilitated by Team Defence Information, leading to the publication of a final USN white paper with practical recommendations for advancing the UK’s uncrewed systems sector.
 
If you are interested in speaking at any of the events, please register here: Uncrewed Systems Network – Speaker Request Form – Fill in form
 

If you are interested in sponsoring any of these events, please register here:

1. Logistics & Supply Chain

This workstream focuses on building resilient, UK‑based supply chains to support the scale‑up and sustainment of uncrewed systems. It addresses challenges such as dependence on non‑UK components (e.g. electronics, sensors, propulsion sub‑systems), fragility in SME‑heavy supply bases, and the need to surge production rapidly in response to operational demand. Example areas of focus include UK‑sovereign components, redesign for supply assurance, war‑stocking of critical spares, MRO considerations for attritable systems, and through‑life support models. Follow‑on workshops will develop practical recommendations to strengthen UK supply chain resilience and readiness – Uncrewed Systems Network Sponsorship Opportunities – Logistics & Supply Chain – Fill in form

2. Dual Use & Export

This workstream examines how UK‑developed uncrewed systems and sub‑systems can be positioned for both defence and civil markets while navigating export controls and regulatory complexity. It focuses on identifying priority international markets, maximising dual‑use design opportunities, and addressing licensing and compliance barriers that can constrain growth. Topics include classification challenges for uncrewed platforms, balancing military and commercial requirements, export control friction on software, autonomy and sensors, and early design decisions that affect exportability. Workshops will focus on actionable approaches to unlock UK export potential while protecting sensitive capabilities – Uncrewed Systems Network Sponsorship Opportunities – Dual Use & Export – Fill in form

3. Technology

The Technology workstream concentrates on the critical enablers that underpin effective, scalable uncrewed systems. It addresses propulsion (including traditional, electric and hybrid), lightweight and modular platform structures, payload integration, autonomy‑enabling software, and assured communications and PNT in contested environments. Key challenges include rapid technology obsolescence, integration across complex supply chains, and dependence on overseas technology providers. Follow‑on workshops will shape technology priorities and recommendations to accelerate UK innovation, reduce reliance on non‑sovereign technologies, and improve system performance and resilience – ALL SPONSORSHIP NOW SOLD OUT

4. Skills & People

This workstream focuses on the specialist skills required to design, manufacture, operate and sustain uncrewed systems at scale in the UK. It addresses workforce pipeline issues across software, systems engineering, manufacturing, testing, and operations, as well as the need for re‑skilling from adjacent sectors such as automotive, aerospace, and robotics. Example areas include cross‑sector talent transfer, apprenticeship and degree pathways aligned to uncrewed technologies, and improving long‑term workforce retention in SMEs. Workshops will define practical actions to close skills gaps and ensure the UK has the people needed to sustain growth – Uncrewed Systems Network Sponsorship Opportunities – Skills & People – Fill in form

5. Testing & Certification 

This workstream addresses the testing, assurance and certification challenges unique to uncrewed and autonomous systems. It focuses on access to UK test infrastructure, regulatory pathways for air, land and maritime systems, and the fragmentation of standards across civil and defence use cases. Key themes include validation of autonomy, safety assurance, cyber and comms resilience, and accelerating certification timelines without compromising trust. Follow‑on workshops will develop recommendations for improving UK test and certification pathways to reduce cost, risk, and time to deployment – Uncrewed Systems Network Sponsorship Opportunities – Testing & Certification – Fill in form

6. Funding & Investment

This workstream explores how funding and investment can better support the growth of the UK uncrewed systems ecosystem from prototype to production and export. It considers access to public funding, private capital appetite, and the investment challenges faced by subsystem suppliers as well as platform primes. Example areas include bridging the “valley of death”, scaling manufacturing for attritable systems, and aligning investment horizons with defence procurement realities. Workshops will generate practical recommendations to improve funding access, attract private capital, and accelerate sustainable growth across the UK uncrewed systems supply chain – Uncrewed Systems Network Sponsorship Opportunities – Funding & Investment – Fill in form

 

We are pleased to partner with DoubleTree by Hilton for any accommodation needs. The hotel is located 4.1 miles from STEAM, and just off M4 junc.16. When making a reservation, select special rates and enter the following code into the corporate account area for discount. Unique code: 113562874.