---
title: "Cost & Capability of Low-Cost Remotely Operated Uncrewed Surface Vehicle"
ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-0685d0"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-0685d0"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-0685d0.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-0685d0.json"
source: "Find A Tender Service"
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-h6vhtk-0685d0

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## Summary

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.

## 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.

### 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

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Find A Tender Service |
| Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/035420-2026 |
| 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 |
| All stages | Planning |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 19 Apr 2026 |
| Submission deadline | Not specified |
| Future notice date | 1 May 2026 |
| Award date | Not specified |
| Contract period | 3 Jul 2026 - 4 Jul 2027 |
| 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 | Planning |
| 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 | Not specified |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 34 - Transport equipment and auxiliary products to transportation

### Codes

- 34520000 - Boats

## Release History

- 19 Apr 2026 at 08:56 - Planning - UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/035420-2026

## Documents

- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/035420-2026
  19th April 2026 - Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender

## Notice URLs

- https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/78ba1318-3c35-4f1b-b559-22525bae9adc
- https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-defence
- https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents

## 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-h6vhtk-0685d0. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-0685d0.json.