The UK Ministry of Defence has announced an early market engagement for the 715882478 - Counter-Uncrewed Systems (C-UxS) Framework Agreement, worth up to £150 million including VAT over eight years. This significant future opportunity will aim to equip Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) with innovative capabilities for detecting, tracking, identifying, recording, communicating and ultimately defeating uncrewed systems (UxS) across all operational contexts.
If you're considering engaging with this upcoming framework, Thornton & Lowe can help you evaluate if this major defence framework is worth your time. Contact our bid team today for an expert, honest review of your suitability.
About the Counter-Uncrewed Systems (C-UxS) framework agreement
This preliminary market engagement notice (PMEN) signals the MOD's intent to establish a commercial framework. The focus is on acquiring a range of counter-uncrewed system solutions, not only hardware and software capabilities, but also supporting functions such as training, evaluation and systems integration. This will be essential as uncrewed threats evolve in complexity and frequency, affecting land, sea, air and cyber environments. It follows the MOD's wider Defence Drone Strategy, which set out a vision for the UK to lead in both uncrewed and counter-uncrewed defence capability.
The MOD is seeking early feedback from the market to shape their procurement. Suppliers who interact during this period can both influence final requirements and prime themselves for successful future bids. Keep in mind, this is not a live tender; no competitive selection or bidding is happening at this stage.
Benefits of engaging with the C-UxS framework
- High-value, long-term potential: The framework's estimated value of £150 million (inc. VAT) over eight years offers significant and sustainable market access for defence suppliers.
- Strategic buyer: Working with Defence Equipment and Support allows suppliers to shape UK defence capabilities and gain a credible reference for future government or export work.
- Broad scope: The preliminary notice covers detection, defeat and support for counter-uncrewed systems, encompassing a wide range of technology categories and delivery models.
Quick facts
- Opportunity type: Framework agreement (subject to outcome of early market engagement)
- Buyers: UK Ministry of Defence, led by Defence Equipment and Support
- Value: £150,000,000 including VAT
- Scope: Detect, track, identify, record/communicate, defeat UxS; plus training, evaluation and integration
- Term: 8 years
Key dates
- Engagement deadline: 14 July 2026
- Market engagement period underway, not a live bid yet
Tips for preparing for the C-UxS framework
- Engage early: Respond to the preliminary market engagement notice via the official channels (full notice here). Provide feedback to shape the forthcoming framework and flag your company's capabilities to the MOD.
- Think broad capability: The published scope is intentionally wide, encompassing technology, service and integration roles. Suppliers should consider forming partnerships or consortia to cover multiple aspects of the requirement.
- Monitor for updates: With an engagement deadline of 14 July 2026, requirements and structure may evolve based on market responses. Check the notice page and official MOD communications regularly to remain well positioned.
- Demonstrate innovation and reliability: The MOD is likely seeking best-in-class and future-proof solutions; evidence of technical performance, safety and integration experience will be valued. For advice on how to structure a strong early market engagement response, see our guide to tender writing.
This opportunity covers the breadth of defence and technology supplier categories and is likely to suit both established primes and agile SMEs. Reviewing the official notice for evolving details will be vital as requirements are developed.
Position your business for long-term success with sound, specialist advice. Thornton & Lowe's defence bidding experts can provide clear guidance at every step. Contact us now for a no-obligation review centred on your position in the forthcoming C-UxS framework.
