A UK Perspective on NATO DIANA's Mission Track Programme
For many emerging technology companies, the challenge is not developing innovative solutions – it is finding a route to adoption.
This is one of the reasons why NATO's Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) programme has become an important initiative for dual-use technology companies across the Alliance. By connecting innovators with end users, test facilities, mentors and procurement pathways, DIANA helps bridge the gap between promising technology and operational capability.
For JET Connectivity, participation in DIANA has provided valuable insight into how innovation can move more rapidly from concept to deployment.
Following selection into the first phase of the accelerator in January 2026, JET Connectivity was recently confirmed as one of only five companies across NATO to progress into the Mission Track programme, and the only UK company confirmed in the intake to date.
The achievement was recognised by Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard MP, who said:
"This is fantastic recognition of British innovation at its best. This is exactly the kind of cutting-edge capability that NATO needs and I'm proud to see a British company leading the way.
"The UK's commitment to defence innovation is unwavering. JET Connectivity's achievement demonstrates British technology is at the forefront of keeping our Alliance safe."
The achievement was also welcomed by Alex Baker MP, Member of Parliament for Aldershot and Farnborough and member of the Defence Select Committee:
"What an achievement for Farnborough based JET Connectivity to be chosen as one of just five companies from more than 3,600 applicants, especially as the only UK Sovereign supplier chosen. Farnborough has always played a vital role in our country's security. JET's success continues that proud local story, while showing why we must back UK dual-use technology businesses to scale, compete and strengthen our national security."
While recognition is encouraging, the greatest value of programmes such as DIANA lies in the opportunities they create for collaboration and capability development.
As James Thomas, Founder and CEO of JET Connectivity, explained:
"JET Connectivity has surged forward in capability thanks, in no small part, to the support from the VTT Dual-Use Launchpad in Finland and the funding, mentoring and networking provided through NATO's DIANA programme."
For companies operating in communications, resilience and national security, access to testing environments and operational expertise can be transformative. The ability to validate use cases, challenge assumptions and engage directly with military users often accelerates development far more effectively than funding alone.
This was certainly our experience through engagement with NATO partners and the Finnish Defence Forces.
As our Chief Commercial Officer, Nicolas Calvelo Santos, noted:
"Visiting Finland to engage with the 5G/6G test centre and working with mentors across NATO and the FDF has propelled our roadmap development and use case validation. Our advanced communications platform is now seen as a pivotal ingredient to add to NATO's partners capabilities."
Increasingly, nations are seeking technologies that are adaptable, interoperable and rapidly deployable. Programmes such as DIANA recognise that successful innovation requires more than technical excellence; it requires access to users, networks and procurement mechanisms capable of accelerating adoption.
The success of UK companies within initiatives such as NATO DIANA demonstrates the strength of the nation's innovation ecosystem and the value of collaboration between industry, government and international partners. As defence continues to evolve in response to an increasingly complex security environment, programmes that help accelerate the journey from innovation to adoption will play an increasingly important role in strengthening the Alliance's collective security.
Telecoms Programme activities
techUK brings together government, the regulator, telecom companies and stakeholders to help the UK maximise the benefits of adopting advanced communications services. We ensure our members have a clear understanding of market developments, customer requirements, and government priorities. Visit the programme page here.
Upcoming events
Latest news and insights
Learn more and get involved
Telecoms updates
Sign-up to get the latest updates and opportunities from our Communications Infrastructure and Services programme.
Meet the team
Tales Gaspar
Programme Manager, UK SPF and Satellite, techUK
Tales has a background in law and economics, with previous experience in the regulation of new technologies and infrastructure.
In the UK and Europe, he offered consultancy on intellectual property rights of cellular and IoT technologies and on the regulatory procedures at the ITU as a Global Fellow at the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI).
Tales has an LL.M in Law and Business by the Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV) and an MSc in Regulation at the London School of Economics, with a specialization in Government and Law.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- +44 (0) 0207 331 2000
- Website:
- www.techUK.org
- LinkedIn:
- www.linkedin.com/in/talesngaspar
Read lessmore
Sophie Greaves
Associate Director, Digital Infrastructure, techUK
Sophie Greaves is Associate Director for Digital Infrastructure at techUK, overseeing the Telecoms Programme, the Data Centres Programme, and the UK Spectrum Policy Forum.
Sophie leads our work across telecoms networks, security and resilience, supply chain diversification, advanced communications technologies, spectrum policy, and data centres - bringing these areas together into a dedicated Digital Infrastructure unit. She was previously Head of Telecoms and Spectrum Policy.
Prior to joining techUK, Sophie completed a masters in Film Studies at University College London; her dissertation examined US telecoms policy relating to net neutrality and content distribution.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 0207 331 2038
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiegreaves/,https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiegreaves/
Read lessmore
Josh Turpin
Programme Manager, Telecoms and Net Zero, techUK
Josh joined techUK as a Programme Manager for Telecoms and Net Zero in August 2024.
In this role, working jointly across the techUK Telecoms and Climate Programmes, Josh is responsible for leading on telecoms infrastructure deployment and uptake and supporting innovation opportunities, as well as looking at how the tech sector can be further utilised in the UK’s decarbonisation efforts.
Prior to joining techUK, Josh’s background was in public affairs and communications, working for organisations across a diverse portfolio of sectors including defence, telecoms and infrastructure; aiding clients through stakeholder engagement, crisis communications, media outreach as well as secretariat duties.
Outside of work, Josh has a keen interest in music, painting and sailing.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 020 7331 2038
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-turpin/
Read lessmore
Authors
JK
Marketing Manager, Jet Connectivity
