Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. The requirement is for the provision of contractor support to operations for a Military Regulated Civil Owned (MRCO) unmanned air system (UAS) to deliver the Royal Navy (RN) Flexible Tactical Unmanned Air System (FTUAS) Urgent Capability Requirement (UCR) for Royal Navy/Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) forward presence shipping to counter Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) in an operational theatre.

The requirement is for a capability to FIND, FIX, TRACK and RECOGNISE USVs operating alone, in large numbers or in combination with small manned vessels. It is anticipated that the solution will permanently embark in shipping (including Type 23/Type 31/Type 45/LSDA/AO) to provide a persistent, intimate, integrated and assured capability to the parent unit. The ability to operate at sufficient range from its parent ship to facilitate timely decision making is anticipated as is the need for a maritime radar to satisfactorily deliver ‘FIND’.

The contract duration will be for a period of 36 months with options to extend at 6 monthly intervals (up to a maximum of 2 years) subject to Ministry of Defence approval prior to the expiry of the initial 36 months period.