---
title: "Cost & Capability of Low-Cost Remotely Operated Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle"
ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-0686b8"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-0686b8"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-0686b8.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-0686b8.json"
source: "Find A Tender Service"
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-h6vhtk-0686b8

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## Summary

The Ministry of Defence, located in Portsmouth, UK, is initiating a procurement process focused on the Cost & Capability of Low-Cost Remotely Operated Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles. This procurement, categorised under the goods industry and dealing specifically with unmanned aerial vehicles (CPV: 35613000), is currently at the planning stage. Interested parties should note the milestone due date for market engagement, which is scheduled for the 5th of May, 2026. The opportunities presented are part of the Royal Navy's ambition to explore industry options for low-cost fixed-wing Class II UAS systems as mobile targets in naval exercises, supported by the legal basis of the UK's 2023 legislation.

This tender offers substantial opportunities for SMEs and VCSEs to showcase their capabilities in providing innovative low-cost options for uncrewed aerial systems. The procurement aims to expedite trials and experimentation by the Royal Navy, making it an attractive venture for businesses specialising in aerospace technology and defence equipment. The process envisages fostering business growth by facilitating engagement with central government procurement strategies, highlighted by the potential contract period starting from the 1st of June, 2026. Businesses with expertise in this niche have the chance to contribute to crucial naval exercises, thereby expanding their reach and developing strategic 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.

### Planning Information

For full details of this RFI, please see attached document at this link:
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/af78cecb-2726-4470-8613-86e1809d3160

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Find A Tender Service |
| Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/035794-2026 |
| Notice type | UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice |
| Procurement type | Standard |
| Procurement category | Goods |
| Procurement method | Not Specified |
| Procurement method details | Not specified |
| Tender suitability | SME, VCSE |
| Awardee scale | Not specified |
| All stages | Planning |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 20 Apr 2026 |
| Submission deadline | Not specified |
| Future notice date | 6 May 2026 |
| Award date | Not specified |
| Contract period | 31 May 2026 - 2 Jun 2026 |
| 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

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

### Codes

- 35613000 - Unmanned aerial vehicles

## Release History

- 20 Apr 2026 at 15:23 - Planning - UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/035794-2026

## Documents

- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/035794-2026
  20th April 2026 - Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender

## Notice URLs

- https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/af78cecb-2726-4470-8613-86e1809d3160
- 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-0686b8. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-0686b8.json.