ASCA Missions

ASCA Missions is the mission-led capability stream of the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator within the Department of Defence Australia. It exists to move disruptive technologies into operational use quickly in support of Defence priorities, and those priorities are endorsed by the Vice Chief of the Defence Force. The stream sits alongside other ASCA activity, but Missions is the part built around tightly directed capability outcomes. The missions are time-limited, typically for three years, and they run through closed call-outs rather than open intake. Opportunities are published through ASCA and AusTender, and ASCA cannot accept unsolicited proposals. The current mission set in May 2026 includes Ghost Shark, Mission Black Thorn, Mission Indra, Mission Sea-Spear, Mission Syracuse, and Mission Talon-Strike, with a live request for information around decoy, deception, camouflage, and concealment. The instrument is an other transaction style arrangement rather than a conventional grant. The best fit is a company, university, or research team that can deliver a Defence-relevant capability on a short timetable and work inside a tightly scoped approach to market. Strong applicants bring a solution that can be tested, adapted, and pulled into service with Defence scientists, military end users, and acquisition specialists involved early. The program rewards urgency, clarity, and a direct link to a named operational need.

Each grant below is a distinct funding opportunity with its own eligibility, scope, and deliverables.