Planning

Cost & Capability of Low-Cost Remotely Operated Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

20 Apr 2026 at 15:15

Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Ministry of Defence is currently in the planning stage of a procurement process for exploring the cost and capability of low-cost remotely operated uncrewed aerial vehicles, classified under the "Unmanned combat aerial vehicles" industry category. This initiative aims to assess fixed-wing Class II UAS for use as mobile targets during various Naval exercises. The procurement is being conducted in the South East region of the United Kingdom, specifically in Portsmouth, England (postal code PO2 8BY). The engagement end date is set for 5th May 2026. This tender is part of the early market engagement process and aims to gather insights from the industry options available for these uncrewed systems.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses specialising in unmanned aerial systems, particularly those able to offer low-cost fixed wing solutions. It is well-suited for SMEs and voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs) owing to its focus on affordability and innovation within the aerospace sector. Companies that can deliver cutting-edge technology at competitive prices may accelerate their growth by aligning with the Royal Navy's objectives in expanding trials and experimentation with uncrewed systems, thereby fostering strong partnerships with the Ministry of Defence.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Cost & Capability of Low-Cost Remotely Operated Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle

Notice Description

The Royal Navy is keen to understand the industry options available for low cost fixed wing Class II UAS to be used as a mobile target in various Naval exercises. Acknowledging the global proliferation of these systems, the goal is to assess the specifications of low-cost options, to further expedite Royal Navy trials and experimentation.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-5e7dd9f3-bc38-47ca-ae66-dd073f345dbf
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/af78cecb-2726-4470-8613-86e1809d3160
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

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
20 Apr 20264 days ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
5 May 20262 weeks 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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