---
title: "Cost & Capability of Low-Cost Remotely Operated Uncrewed Surface Vehicle"
ocid: "ocds-b5fd17-925b8841-2783-461e-80b1-d2dd862e5e17"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-925b8841-2783-461e-80b1-d2dd862e5e17"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-925b8841-2783-461e-80b1-d2dd862e5e17.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-925b8841-2783-461e-80b1-d2dd862e5e17.json"
source: "Contracts Finder"
current_stage: "Planning"
buyer: "MINISTRY OF DEFENCE"
published: "2026-04-19"
---

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

Buyer: MINISTRY OF DEFENCE  
Current stage: Planning  
OCID: ocds-b5fd17-925b8841-2783-461e-80b1-d2dd862e5e17

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## Summary

The Ministry of Defence is currently in the planning stage for a procurement titled "Cost & Capability of Low-Cost Remotely Operated Uncrewed Surface Vehicle". This initiative aims to explore options for converting a Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB), or similar, into an uncrewed surface vehicle (USV) to be utilised in naval exercises. Classified under the industry category "Boats" (CPV code 34520000), the procurement specifically targets small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprises (VCSEs). The location specified for this procurement is Portsmouth, South East England, with the procurement process initiated through tender. A key milestone in this stage is the engagement end date on 30th April 2026.

This tender presents a significant opportunity for businesses specialising in maritime vessel conversion and technology solutions. Companies that offer cost-effective and innovative solutions for uncrewed surface vehicles will find ample potential for growth and collaboration with the Royal Navy, especially given the project's focus on expedited trials and experimentation. Businesses with expertise in remotely operated systems, or those looking to expand their reach into defence contracts, would be well-suited to compete for this procurement. The focus on low-cost solutions, approximately under £60,000, suggests that there is an open field for cost-efficient proposals and innovative approaches to meet the Royal Navy's needs.

## Notice

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.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Contracts Finder |
| Latest notice | https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/78ba1318-3c35-4f1b-b559-22525bae9adc |
| 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 | 19 Apr 2026 |
| Submission deadline | Not specified |
| Future notice date | 30 Apr 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

- 34 - Transport equipment and auxiliary products to transportation

### Codes

- 34520000 - Boats

## Release History

- 19 Apr 2026 at 08:44 - Planning - Market Engagement Notice - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/78ba1318-3c35-4f1b-b559-22525bae9adc

## Documents

- https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/78ba1318-3c35-4f1b-b559-22525bae9adc
  19th April 2026 - Early engagement notice on Contracts Finder
- https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/Attachment/c5a61c77-b132-402c-af1f-2228d50b6664
  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-b5fd17-925b8841-2783-461e-80b1-d2dd862e5e17. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-925b8841-2783-461e-80b1-d2dd862e5e17.json.