Nuclear Deterrence Fund

The UKs independent nuclear deterrent has existed for over 60 years to deter the most extreme threats to our national security and way of life, and that of our NATO Allies. UK nuclear policymakers will be confronted with an array of challenges in the coming decades, including from major nuclear armed states, emerging nuclear states and state-sponsored nuclear terrorism. The complexity and breadth of these challenges requires the UK to consider how to adapt its approach to deterrence across the spectrum of conflict, including nuclear and strategic deterrence. This, in turn, requires an intellectual capability that can assist UK policymakers in understanding the new security dynamic and its implications for future deterrence requirements. The MoD is committed to not only developing this expertise within Government, but through a thriving and robust civil society which can provide valuable research and challenge to Government on these issues. The Nuclear Deterrence Fund (NDF) is a £3.3m pilot programme which will run between FY24-27 to stimulate wider UK expertise in nuclear deterrence issues and to generate a research base to support nuclear deterrence policymaking.

The Fund is now accepting proposals. The deadlines for the September 2025 round of applications are as follows:

Supplier Registration on DSP and PQQ Submission Deadline

23: 59hrs (BST) 26/08/2025

Project Proposal Submission & Contract Terms Acceptance Deadline

12: 00hrs (BST) 15/09/2025

Programme Board Meeting Postponed until 10th November 2025 due to sickness (this is subject to change)

(Please note that the Nuclear Deterrence Fund reserves the right to change these dates and will stop accepting applications once all funds have been allocated.)

To submit proposals to the NDF, suppliers must register for the NDF PQQ on the Defence Sourcing Portal (DSP). Once the necessary checks have been completed, suppliers will be onboarded onto a Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) which will provide the contractual terms. Suppliers can onboard onto the DPS between 09/24 and 01/27. Once on the DPS, suppliers can submit research project proposals for consideration. The detail of any funding agreements for successful bids will be covered by supplementary project tasking form.