🛡️UK MoD Seeks £5M Anti-Drone Tech for Troop Protection
UK Army Wants Laser-Driven Drone Defense
TL;DR
The UK MoD is seeking £5M in anti-drone tech to protect troops from saturation attacks. The tender, Project PANOPTES, aims to deliver autonomous C-UAS systems for NATO Class 1 drones.
The UK MoD has launched a £5 million tender, Project PANOPTES, to develop autonomous anti-drone technology for protecting troops. This tech must detect, track, and neutralize low-cost threats, including potential swarm attacks. The system must be mountable on Army vehicles and operate autonomously. The initial focus is on NATO Class 1 uncrewed aerial systems, weighing up to 150 kg. The Royal Navy is also pursuing similar tech, with the DragonFire laser weapon expected on a Type 45 destroyer next year. The first stage of submissions closes on September 23, with detailed proposals to follow for promising ideas.

Key Points
Project PANOPTES seeks autonomous C-UAS systems to protect troops from drone threats, with £5 million available.
The tender aims to deliver tech for NATO Class 1 drones, weighing up to 150 kg, and must operate autonomously.
The first stage of submissions for Project PANOPTES closes at midday on September 23, 2023.
The Royal Navy is also pursuing similar tech, with the DragonFire laser weapon expected on a Type 45 destroyer next year.
The MoD is particularly interested in Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW) effectors, but credible alternatives are also considered.
Why It Matters
If you're working on defense tech, this £5M tender is a big opportunity. The UK MoD wants autonomous systems to protect troops from drone threats, with a focus on NATO Class 1 drones. This could lead to significant advancements in anti-drone technology and autonomous systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does this matter?
If you're working on defense tech, this £5M tender is a big opportunity. The UK MoD wants autonomous systems to protect troops from drone threats, with a focus on NATO Class 1 drones. This could lead to significant advancements in anti-drone technology and autonomous systems.
What happened?
The UK MoD is seeking £5M in anti-drone tech to protect troops from saturation attacks. The tender, Project PANOPTES, aims to deliver autonomous C-UAS systems for NATO Class 1 drones.
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