The Ministry of Defence is seeking industry input on low-cost systems to counter uncrewed threats as part of a wider effort to complement existing missile defences under Project METIS, the UK Defence Journal understands.
A Request for Information (RFI) published via Find a Tender outlines plans to develop scalable, modular “effectors” capable of addressing the growing volume of uncrewed systems across maritime environments. The initiative forms part of the Royal Navy’s shift towards a “Hybrid Navy” concept, where crewed and uncrewed platforms operate together with greater flexibility.
The requirement focuses on countering both airborne and surface threats using a mix of approaches, with the MoD indicating that solutions may include both electronic and physical methods. Systems are expected to be interoperable across platforms and domains, with an emphasis on rapid installation and minimal integration burden on host vessels.
Project METIS centres on the use of containerised Persistent Operational Deployment Systems (PODS), broadly aligned to standard 20-foot ISO container formats. These modules are intended to house mission systems that can be deployed across ships, land vehicles and potentially other platforms, with common interfaces for power, cooling and command and control.
The RFI also highlights a push towards greater autonomy, with solutions expected to operate with reduced operator input once engagements begin, while still being able to integrate cues from other systems. The approach reflects a wider effort to manage increasing threat complexity without significantly increasing crew workload.
Sustainability and scalability are key considerations, with the MoD stressing that solutions must be capable of production at scale and supported by resilient supply chains. Systems are also expected to operate for extended periods with minimal maintenance, including the ability to function continuously for up to 30 days without intervention.
The notice makes clear that the requirement remains at an early stage, with the RFI intended to refine requirements and inform future procurement decisions. No commitment to proceed has been made at this stage, and suppliers are expected to respond with potential solutions based on current market capabilities.
It’s should be pretty simple and cheap to put a few dozen octopus interceptor drones on a warship. If we are smart about it these would probably become perfect weapons for attacking small boats as well.
DSTL can jury rig a ASRAAM to fire off the back of a truck in months to become an effective GBAD system.
I’m guessing the navy will want to spend five years on this and go through multiple demonstrators and several clever titled acronym programs then just buy what ever Lockheed Martin is selling for £1 billion.
UK procurement in a nutshell.
Dragonfire and Octopus drones. If only I was an MoD consultant, could have charged £500,000 for that.
Worth every penny.
Refitting all the MSI 30mm to the current standard with dual feed for proximity ammunition for all ships.
40mm Bofors elsewhere…rivers perhaps…carriers..
Dragonfire all round…
Martlet…. peregrine with martlet….
Lots of options there requiring no extra comitee time.
To be honest, I couldn’t believe that the 30mm were being maintained to a 20 year old standard as detailed elsewhere.
AA
All sounds good to me. The extra mag and proximity fused ammunition for the 30mm should be a no brainer.
NL claimed that the 30mm were the same mid state as late ‘80’s so 40 year old tech. That isn’t true: the mod state has moved on and the electronics has moved on if nothing else. Mechanically they are the same.
Countering drone threats, I hope MoD is considering this urgently with stationary aircraft on RAF airfields. Ukraine uses netting.
Cambridge Aerospace Skyhammer seems the obvious choice. Good range and balance of capability (if you believe the press). Rapid sentry type mounts for more close in defence. Lots of options really.
A bit fantasy fleets, but maybe it’s time for a new class of escort. In the vain of the original torpedo boat destroyer but for defence against low end saturation attacks. Less missile barge as per some type 91 concepts. More along the lines of BAE SEP perhaps. Looking forward to seeing how these concepts develop. If they ever do that is.
More projects more cost and as already said, probably when Labour are booted out, spending billions on some overpriced system from Lockheed. It would be interesting to learn who in the MOD is in charge of this and where they end up working !
In overall charge? That would be Rupert Pearce, National Armaments Director.
Yes the sooner we get back to the ‘tory way of doing things over the last 14 years the better!!!
Just ask ukraine what works best and use that as your foundation, no need to piss around for years and spend millions in the process.
If you want affordability and sustainability guns firing airburst rounds is the way to go. Forget missile systems for all but large drones, all an enemy has to do is swarm you until your missiles run out, then its effectively a mission kill as you have to dock to rearm.
PS Dragonfire, get a move with it, it’s supposed to be one of the answers to this very problem!