The Ministry of Defence has issued a Prior Information Notice outlining plans for a new commercial framework to support testing and evaluation of uncrewed air systems (UAS).
Published on 16 October, the notice describes a proposed Contractor Flying Approved Organization Scheme (Basic Remotely Piloted Air Systems), or CFAOS (BR), that would allow qualified civilian organisations to assist Defence in assessing emerging drone technologies.
According to the notice, the MOD aims to understand the capacity of industry to form part of a framework of “competent and approved civilian organisations” able to conduct official flight testing and analysis. The scheme will focus on companies capable of meeting the requirements of Regulatory Article 1031, which governs contractor-operated UAS activity under the Military Aviation Authority (MAA).
Participants must demonstrate the ability to obtain MAA CFAOS (BR) approval within six months of the framework’s establishment.
The document sets out several criteria for interested firms, including equivalence between civilian and military test and evaluation qualifications, and readiness to carry out short-notice trials of “Open – S1 platforms or system of systems”. The MOD is particularly interested in leveraging commercial test and evaluation expertise to accelerate innovation, improve cost efficiency, and expand access to qualified test environments for uncrewed systems.
The three-year framework is scheduled to run from April 2027 to March 2030. The notice adds that renewals may be available and that the scheme is designed to enhance Defence’s ability to evaluate new capabilities rapidly while maintaining air safety and regulatory assurance.
A framework for testing and evaluation of a potential programme…. WOW !
If they converted the dozens of programs announced into actual orders, there’d be no new money to buy them or even the personnel to use them, without robbing other units of people and kit.
As Jonathan often says, where is the groundwork, doctrine, and infrastructure?
You’re getting sensible on me again Daniele. It will never do you know.
I know. It is an affliction I have. I try to be realistic and optimistic, but with this government, what little hope I had has gone, sadly.
Lets hope by some miracle it changes.
Interestingly, I read recently that Keevil is now being used for Drone testing and training ( Watchkeeper and contractor trials ) to go alongside the Drop Zone, heli training, and airlanding training.
A useful asset, despite no units even based there, and a good example of keeping a runway.
I thought his jump over the Buses was pretty epic.
Close….Evel Keevil lol.
Can there be anyone in the UK with more experience in testing drones than our military?
There should be a Parliamentary Oversight Committee, and a ethics watchdog after a ten year period of discussion to ensure this operates within the parameters set out by the pre operational team. That team should report and discuss regional involvement from interested parties. These recommendations to be laid before the relevant gooberment departments by 2035 at the latest. And of course all interested parties should declare any interests publicly in the spirit of inclusion and diversity.
But hang on, we need to put this to a vote first.
And, We need to ensure that no group feels offended by being included in any diverse group labelling, maybe we should set up a monitering group and contact site for those affected.
#RUOKHUN?
Of course the most important part will be enabling our Chicom partners access to all information from day 1. Therefore entering the spirit of open and honesty with our international partners. This way will ensure no nasty spying allegations and ensure our Dear Leader a free pass on nasty decisions.