Planning

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

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

19 Apr 2026 at 08:56

Summary of the contracting process

The Ministry of Defence is seeking industry insights for the conversion of a Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat or similar vessel into a remotely operated uncrewed surface vehicle (USV). This procurement process, which is currently in the planning stage, is aimed at enhancing Naval exercises by using these vehicles as mobile targets. Located in Portsmouth, UK, the procurement falls under the 'Boats' category within the goods sector. Key dates include a milestone due on 30th April 2026 for market engagement, with the contract period expected from 4th July 2026 to 4th July 2027. Interested parties should prepare for the official tender notice expected on 1st May 2026.

This tender presents significant business growth opportunities for firms specialising in maritime technology and unmanned vehicle systems. Companies with expertise in developing low-cost naval equipment, particularly those capable of producing systems under £60,000, would be well-positioned to compete. The procurement process suits organisations that can deliver innovative solutions aligned with the Royal Navy's needs for expedited trials and experimentation. Businesses in the defence or marine sectors should consider engaging in this market engagement process to leverage new opportunities in the defence sector.

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How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

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

Notice Description

The Royal Navy is keen to understand the industry options available for the conversion of a Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB), or similar vessel, into a remotely operated uncrewed surface vehicle (USV), 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 (c. sub PS60,000), to further expedite Royal Navy trials and experimentation.

Planning Information

For full details of this RFI. please see attached document at this link: https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/78ba1318-3c35-4f1b-b559-22525bae9adc

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0685d0
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/035420-2026
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
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

34 - Transport equipment and auxiliary products to transportation


CPV Codes

34520000 - Boats

Notice Value(s)

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

Notice Dates

Publication Date
19 Apr 20265 days ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
1 May 20261 weeks to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
3 Jul 2026 - 4 Jul 2027 1-2 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

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

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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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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