Multiple vendors are sought to fulfil framework contracts for a range of different C-UAS solutions.  

The NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) has opened a EUR3.1 million counter-UAS (C-UAS) procurement project, a notice from the organisation has revealed.  

Companies are invited to bid for one of several different framework contracts under three distinct C-UAS categories.  

These include on-the-move, transportable, and static, with up to five vendors awarded framework contracts under each category. This will allow NATO and interested nations to procure or lease these systems.  

The signing of these framework contracts “does not include the delivery of any C-UAS capability. The framework contract will prepare the contractual environment for addressing subsequent capability fielding task orders”, the NCIA said.  

The C-UAS solutions will be deployed to support a range of missions, including convoy protection, critical infrastructure protection, and border protection. 

“Recent incursions of UAS into allied airspace have exposed persistent gaps in air defence readiness and capability across NATO nations. These events highlight the immediate need to strengthen the acquisition, deployment, and sustainment of C-UAS systems”, the NCIA said.  

This opportunity comes after Russian aerial incursions in European airspace, with NATO fighter jets shooting down around 19 drones in Polish airspace in September. Russian drones also entered Romanian and Estonian airspace in the same month.   

Necessary requirements for the C-UAS solutions include a multi-sensor suite, omnidirectional electronic and cyber countermeasures, and command and control integration.  

All solutions must also have a detection and engagement radius of between two and 40km, be compliant with NATO’s cyber and information security standards, include operator and maintainer training packages, and feature secure recording, archiving, and threat intelligence reporting. 

The NCIA also included specific requirements for the C-UAS dependent on category. For example, the on-the-move C-UAS solutions must be capable of being integrated on tactical vehicles and operable while the vehicle is in motion.  

The transportable systems must be transportable by road, air, or rail and capable of being set-up and taken down rapidly. Static systems must be capable of continuous detection, tracking, and identification, as well as permanent power, networking, and secured communications. 

The closing date for this procurement project is 7 November, the NCIA said.