The UK National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) is inviting expressions of interest for its counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) testing programme.
Established in 2019, the programme assesses a number of key performance indicators using a range of UAS and threat scenarios, against the NPSA technical standard. These indicators include launch detection quality, tracking accuracy, and ability to identify. Upon successful completion of testing, entries can be added to the NPSA Catalogue of Security Equipment, which is used by UK and international government partners, as well as security professionals in charge of protecting sensitive sites, critical infrastructure and crowded places. On completion of testing, NPSA can also provide feedback regarding the installation, performance, and usability of the technology to aid further development.
NPSA has now opened Tranche 5 of the test cycle which will be limited to five companies for FY 25/26. More testing slots could potentially become available in Q4, but NPSA says this is not guaranteed.
Suppliers of mature C-UAS systems should submit an Expression of Interest by 28th March for consideration for one of the test periods that will take place in financial year 25/26. If successful, companies will be allocated a test slot during one of the test windows (mid-July, mid-September or mid-October).
The C-UAS systems must be at technology readiness level 8 or 9, be capable of operating offline, display detections, tracks, alarms and (optionally) identification information on a Human Machine Interface (HMI), and be capable of being used by an operator with a maximum of one day of training.
For more information
