The RFI seeks to understand whether an interceptor drone could counter the threat of jet-powered OWEs. 

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) – in partnership with the international Drone Capability Coalition (DCC) – has issued a request for information (RFI) to explore the possibility of using an interceptor drone to counter jet-powered one-way effector (OWE) UAVs. 

Published on the MoD’s Defence Sourcing Portal on 15 August, the request specifically focuses on the threat posed from long-range OWEs.  

Describing the threat, the notice says the mass proliferation of jet-powered OWE UAVs – operating at speeds of over 350km/h and altitudes over 12,000ft – is “a significant and evolving threat to both deployed forces and critical national infrastructure”.  

In facing this threat, the MoD seeks to gauge industry capabilities and the maturity of available purpose-built, high-speed interceptors. 

Companies are required to detail how their proposed solution effectively counters the threat, and the type of payload used to achieve the desired effect.  

The MoD is placing affordability at the centre of its considerations as it looks to supplement traditional air defences, which could be overwhelmed by drones and are “economically unviable” in the face of swarms. 

As a result, scalability and manufacturing requirements are also at the core of the RFI’s questions, with the MoD asking respondents to provide significant detail. 

The notice requires both industrial capability and supply chain security to be considered, whether production is based in the UK or internationally. 

Notably, the RFI asks how a potential interceptor drone could differentiate between a jet-powered UAV and other air systems.  

It also enquires as to whether the respondent’s proposed capability could operate within a network to provide swarming capabilities. 

A deadline of 27 August has been set for responses. 

Ultimately, the notice does not guarantee a follow-up contract but is being used to enhance the DCC’s strategic planning regarding future requirements. 

However, it does state that the MoD/DCC could conduct engagement sessions to derive greater detail in future.