---
title: "Cost & Capability of Low-Cost Remotely Operated Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle"
ocid: "ocds-b5fd17-5e7dd9f3-bc38-47ca-ae66-dd073f345dbf"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-5e7dd9f3-bc38-47ca-ae66-dd073f345dbf"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-5e7dd9f3-bc38-47ca-ae66-dd073f345dbf.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-5e7dd9f3-bc38-47ca-ae66-dd073f345dbf.json"
source: "Contracts Finder"
current_stage: "Planning"
buyer: "MINISTRY OF DEFENCE"
published: "2026-04-20"
---

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

Buyer: MINISTRY OF DEFENCE  
Current stage: Planning  
OCID: ocds-b5fd17-5e7dd9f3-bc38-47ca-ae66-dd073f345dbf

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## Summary

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.

## Notice

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.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Contracts Finder |
| Latest notice | https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/af78cecb-2726-4470-8613-86e1809d3160 |
| 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 |
| All stages | Planning |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 20 Apr 2026 |
| Submission deadline | Not specified |
| Future notice date | 5 May 2026 |
| Award date | Not specified |
| Contract period | Not specified |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | Not specified |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | Not specified |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Planning |
| Lots status | Not specified |
| Awards status | Not specified |
| Contracts status | Not specified |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | MINISTRY OF DEFENCE |
| Locality | PORTSMOUTH |
| Post town | Portsmouth |
| Postcode | PO2 8BY |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLJ South East (England) |
| ITL 2 | TLJ3 Hampshire and Isle of Wight |
| ITL 3 | TLJ31 Portsmouth |
| Local authority | Portsmouth |
| Electoral ward | Nelson |
| Westminster constituency | Portsmouth North |
| Delivery location | TLJ South East (England) |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

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

### Codes

- 35613100 - Unmanned combat aerial vehicles

## Release History

- 20 Apr 2026 at 15:15 - Planning - Market Engagement Notice - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/af78cecb-2726-4470-8613-86e1809d3160

## Documents

- https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/af78cecb-2726-4470-8613-86e1809d3160
  20th April 2026 - Early engagement notice on Contracts Finder
- https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/Attachment/ef5e5029-d52a-4a63-8373-a617fdad9664
  n/a

## Provenance

This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-5e7dd9f3-bc38-47ca-ae66-dd073f345dbf. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-5e7dd9f3-bc38-47ca-ae66-dd073f345dbf.json.