New British loitering munition project moves forward

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is progressing plans to purchase a Medium Range Precision Strike solution, as a Market Interest Day is scheduled for 4 December 2024.

This initiative aims to provide the UK Armed Forces with cutting-edge loitering munition capabilities, as outlined in a Prior Information Notice (PIN) issued in October.

The MRPS system is envisioned to deliver a beyond-visual-line-of-sight precision strike capability with extensive operational versatility. Designed for both land and maritime platforms, the system must achieve a minimum range of 60 km and loiter for at least 40 minutes, transmitting real-time video for target identification.

Additional requirements include:

• All-weather and day-night operational capabilities.
• Resilience in contested, degraded, and GPS-denied environments.
• Ability to engage diverse targets, including armoured vehicles and fast inshore attack craft.
• Portability and compatibility with existing UK platforms for land, sea, and air deployment.

The MOD plans to procure at least 200 munitions, with initial deliveries expected by 2027, at an estimated programme value of £120 million.

Market Engagement

To refine the programme’s development, the MOD will hold the Market Interest Day in Wiltshire, allowing suppliers to learn more about the project and provide feedback. The event will include a briefing on programme requirements and procurement strategies, followed by a Q&A session.

Suppliers have until 29 November to register, and attendance is limited to three representatives per organisation. For those unable to attend, the MOD will release a Request for Information (RFI) after the event, along with opportunities for one-on-one virtual engagement sessions.

The project’s goals were initially detailed in the October PIN, which highlighted the MOD’s intent to foster innovation through engagement with industry partners. It also stressed the importance of developing systems that could adapt to high-threat environments while delivering precision strikes with minimal collateral damage.

With this latest update, the MOD is signalling its commitment to ensuring that the MRPS programme meets the demands of future conflicts while strengthening the UK’s position as a leader in defence technology. Industry participants interested in contributing to this effort can find additional details and register via the MOD’s procurement portal.

Britain looking to buy hundreds of ‘loitering munitions’

What is a loitering munition anyway?

A loitering munition, also known as a “kamikaze drone” or “suicide drone,” is a type of weapon system designed to hover in the air over a target area for an extended period before striking. It combines features of both drones and missiles, allowing it to search for, identify, and engage targets with precision. Once a target is identified, the munition can dive into it, detonating on impact.

Loitering munitions are equipped with sensors and communication systems to allow operators to monitor and control them in real-time. They can be deployed from land, air, or sea platforms and are particularly useful for missions requiring quick responses to emerging threats. The ability to remain airborne for a set period allows operators to wait for the optimal moment to strike, improving target accuracy and reducing collateral damage.

These systems are often used in situations where traditional missile or artillery strikes would be less effective. The loitering capability ensures that the munition can be recalled or re-targeted if the original target is no longer viable, providing more flexibility than conventional munitions. Loitering munitions are typically smaller than traditional missiles, making them easier to transport and deploy in various environments.

Loitering munitions are increasingly being integrated into modern forces due to their cost-effectiveness and precision. They are particularly effective against time-sensitive or mobile targets, such as vehicles or personnel, and are used in a range of conflict scenarios, from asymmetrical warfare to conventional military engagements.

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