Guidance

Market Engagement: Countering Fibre Optic Uncrewed Aerial Systems

UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) is running a Market Engagement activity seeking novel ideas to detect and defeat fibre optically controlled uncrewed aerial systems.

• From: UK Defence Innovation
• Published: 27 March 2026

Documents

Market Engagement Document: Countering Fibre Optic Uncrewed Aerial Systems

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Details

Current conflict has demonstrated rapid uncrewed aerial system (UAS) evolution, including UAS controlled by trailing fibre optic cables, which are immune to conventional countermeasures. We would like a solution to mitigate this new threat.

This activity is run by UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) on behalf of UK Ministry of Defence (MOD).

This Market Engagement closes at midday, 12:00 (BST) on 21 April 2026.

Please note that this request for information is not a commitment to subsequently launch a formal UKDI competition.

Published 27 March 2026