Planning

Uncrewed Aerial Range Clearance

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

14 Apr 2026 at 11:48

Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Ministry of Defence is engaged in the procurement of "Uncrewed Aerial Range Clearance" systems, with the process currently in the planning stage as of 14th April 2026. The tender covers the procurement and implementation of unmanned aerial vehicles, classified under CPV codes 35613000 and 35613100, intended for range clearance and assurance tasks to support the equipment testing. This procurement is part of the defence industry and is located in Portsmouth, South East England, postal code PO2 8BY. Key dates include the engagement end on 28th April 2026. This early engagement notice has been published to facilitate timely and safe testing of equipment using innovative uncrewed systems.

The tender offers significant growth opportunities for businesses specialising in unmanned aerial technologies, particularly those capable of delivering advanced solutions for defence range assurance. SMEs and voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs) are deemed suitable to apply, encouraging diversity and innovation in the bidding process. Companies with expertise in designing and deploying unmanned aerial vehicles will find this invitation from the Ministry of Defence appealing as it promises to advance cutting-edge technology solutions in military applications.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Uncrewed Aerial Range Clearance

Notice Description

Thusly, the RN is keen to understand options for the use of uncrewed systems to provide range clearance and assurance, ensuring that the testing of equipment can continue to be performed in a timely and, critically, safe manner.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-58901f48-223d-46d3-afa3-e67f992a4974
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/53ee94fb-b7ab-4920-b221-7116fb763054
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Not specified
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

35 - Security, fire-fighting, police and defence equipment

CPV Codes

35613000 - Unmanned aerial vehicles

35613100 - Unmanned combat aerial vehicles

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
14 Apr 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
28 Apr 20263 days to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Not Specified
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
PORTSMOUTH
Postcode
PO2 8BY
Post Town
Portsmouth
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLJ South East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLJ3 Hampshire and Isle of Wight
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLJ31 Portsmouth
Delivery Location
TLJ South East (England)
Local Authority
Portsmouth
Electoral Ward
Nelson
Westminster Constituency
Portsmouth North

Further Information

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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