-
UKDI has launched a
new Themed Competition called Project PANOPTES which seeks an
integrated, Counter-Uncrewed Aerial System (C-UAS) force-protection
capability
- Open to UK based innovators
- This Themed Competition is run on behalf of the Ministry
of Defence (MOD)
- The deadline for submissions to stage 1 is midday 23
September 2026 (BST)
- A share of £5 million is available immediately
UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) is pleased to launch a new
Themed Competition called Project PANOPTES. Run
on behalf of the Ministry of Defence
(MOD) this Themed
Competition seeks an integrated, Counter-Uncrewed Aerial System
(C-UAS)
force-protection capability.
This competition will use a 2-stage submission process with the
aim to ease the burden on both applicants and assessors. Stage 1
provides an initial innovation screening process where applicants
outline their idea. Stage 2 then requests detailed proposals on
successful ideas by invite.
Learn more about the
2-stage process in the Competition
Document.Background
Defence is seeking innovations to detect, track, identify, decide
and defeat mass and low-cost threats in a cost-effective manner
and without being overwhelmed or exhausting stockpiles. This is
particularly relevant for deployed land forces but is also
applicable to the protection of defence fixed infrastructure.
Existing approaches are constrained by current capability, high
costs, limited manoeuvrability and the pace of evolving UAS. To
ensure the UK maintains a battle-winning edge, UKDI is seeking ideas that can
solve these problem areas.
What we are seeking
Your solution should protect deployed troops against complex
attacks designed to overwhelm existing infrastructure and
munition stocks. It should deliver a more affordable response to
emerging air threats than legacy systems, and should exploit open
architectures, platform-generated power, modular design and be
capable of autonomous operation. The MOD is interested in a range of
innovative and credible solutions including, but not limited to,
Laser Directed Energy Weapons (LDEWs) effectors.
The solution should also consider:
- integration with a future uncrewed ground vehicle (UGV)
- integration with a future Army and Joint Ground-Based Air
Defence (GBAD) capability
- possible export opportunities
Learn about the full
requirements in the Competition
Document.Supporting activities
A launch webinar will take place on 9 September 2026 to provide
further detail on the operational context of the problem space
and a chance for attendees to ask questions in an open forum. If
you would like to participate, please register on the Eventbrite
page.
Please ensure you have read the Competition Document
fully before attending.Submit a
proposal
If you have a capability
that could protect deployed troops and our munition stocks head
to the Competition Document to submit your idea.
