The Royal Navy is exploring the use of uncrewed picket platforms equipped with sensors to detect and track airborne threats, as part of a rapid procurement effort under Project HORUS.
A market engagement notice states that “the Royal Navy requires a rapidly procured and persistent air search capability, suitable for maritime platforms to host on board to detect, track, identify, and report airborne threats,” including drones, fast jets and cruise missiles.
The requirement places a strong emphasis on speed and maturity, with the Ministry of Defence seeking solutions that can be delivered within months. “The intention is to conduct a rapid market survey… selecting credible solutions; contracting and delivering the initial capability within four to six months,” the notice states, adding that the project is focused on “mature products with providers that are able to work at pace.”
At the core of the concept is a shift toward distributed sensing. The programme aims to “adopt a System of System Approach; introduce mass via numerous lower-cost sensors on uncrewed assets able to persist in high threat situations,” allowing the Royal Navy to extend surveillance coverage and cue higher-end weapon systems.
These systems would be expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy and persistence. The requirement specifies that platforms should be capable of remaining on station for “30 days (Threshold) or up to 90 days (Objective) without human in-person intervention or maintenance,” reflecting a move toward long-endurance, low-maintenance deployments.
The capability is also intended to reduce reliance on crewed platforms. The Ministry of Defence notes that the system must “reduce the crewed burden, reduce risk to life, [and] report air threats,” while being able to evolve over time as threats develop.
In terms of performance, the requirement sets out detection thresholds including “NATO Class 2 uncrewed air systems… anti-ship and land attack cruise missiles; [and] Gen 3 to 4 fighter-bombers at not less than 15 nautical miles,” with future expansion to include surface threats such as fast attack craft and uncrewed vessels.
Coverage requirements are also significant, with the notice stating that “a 2500km2 region must be persistently covered and reported on,” implying the need for multiple platforms operating in concert across a contested maritime environment.
Flexibility in delivery is also being considered. Project HORUS “is not limited to equipment procurement and is interested to receive proposals that exploit alternative commercial models, such as, SENSE as a service,” indicating openness to service-based or contractor-operated solutions.
The request for information is intended to shape the eventual procurement strategy, with the Ministry of Defence seeking to “develop further… understanding of the different technologies and capabilities available,” align requirements with industry, and identify options that offer value for money.
Hard to see what they are looking for here. The detection range against fighters is not great for modern radar, especially as it is talking about 3rd Gen. Also no requirement to operate alongside warships. Reading between the lines I think this is the MoD going ‘how do we get a radar picket in the Strait of Hormuz’ given the short response time, emphasis on low-tech opponents like FIAC and drones, and ‘complex littoral environment with contested geography’.
Can modern prototyping, 3D printing and the like allow us to develop new capabilities as the strategic picture changes? Additive manufacturing was going to build new drones for each mission a few years ago, perhaps some bright spark in the MoD thinks it can be done.
As a surveillance systen coverng the North Sea, Baltic and North Atlantc unmanned system have an obvious use. Hwever, it needs to be carefully thought out and backed up by appropriate manned control systems and manned weapons systems – in other words, a properly funded and equipped integrated defence system. These vessels must never be considered to be complete in their own right or used as an excuse to cut costs elsewhere.
Sounds brilliant and continues the long British tradition for innovation, battle tanks and aircraft carriers, to name a few. The sooner we can develop autonomous surface and underwater naval craft, the sooner our fleet can increase to realistic numbers.