Planning

Uncrewed Aerial Range Clearance

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

14 Apr 2026 at 11:56

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Ministry of Defence has initiated the procurement process for the 'Uncrewed Aerial Range Clearance' project, currently in the planning stage. This tender, overseen by the buyer located in Portsmouth, UK, focuses on goods within the unmanned aerial vehicles industry category. The procurement aims to enhance the use of uncrewed systems for range clearance and assurance, ensuring equipment testing continues in a timely and safe manner. A preliminary market engagement notice has been published, with key stakeholder engagement scheduled for 28th April 2026. The contract period is set to commence on 29th April 2026 and conclude on 1st May 2026. Interested parties should note the future notice date also set for 28th April 2026.

With its suitability for SMEs and VCSEs, this procurement presents a significant opportunity for businesses specialising in unmanned aerial technology, particularly those focusing on range clearance systems. Companies interested in the project's safe and efficient testing solutions would find this tender promising for expanding their footprint or introducing innovative technologies within the defence sector. The procurement method revolves around a scheduled engagement process, allowing for comprehensive insights into market capabilities and fostering collaboration with capable suppliers. Business users geared towards advanced technical solutions in aerial systems are encouraged to participate in this strategic initiative.

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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.

Planning Information

Please see the link below for full details of the RFI: https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/53ee94fb-b7ab-4920-b221-7116fb763054

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0681e7
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/033733-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
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

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 20264 days to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
28 Apr 2026 - 1 May 2026 30 days
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Planning
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
Not specified
Local Authority
Portsmouth
Electoral Ward
Nelson
Westminster Constituency
Portsmouth North

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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