Project PANOPTES: Protecting the Force. Enabling Manoeuvre.

A new UKDI competition seeking to enhance capability to defeat mass and low-cost threats in a cost-effective manner.

This UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) themed competition is run on behalf of the Ministry of Defence (MOD) .
Defence seeks additional capability to detect, track, identify, decide and defeat mass and low-cost threats in a cost-effective manner and without being overwhelmed or exhausting stockpiles. This is particularly acute for deployed land forces, but the problem is applicable to the protection of defence fixed infrastructure.
This competition, seeking to deliver an integrated Counter-Uncrewed Aerial System (C-UAS) force-protection capability, capable of autonomous operation, forms the first phase of a planned multi-phase capability development and acquisition pathway leading to a future Programme of Record, subject to future approvals and contractual arrangements.
The primary deliverable for this competition is an evidence-based programme plan supported by demonstrations, modelling, analysis and testing as necessary. Successful projects may subsequently receive further tasking to execute that plan.
Competition key information
Key Information
Competition Details
Submission Stage 1 deadline
12:00 Midday on 23 September 2026 (BST)
Submission Stage 1 decision release
1 October 2026
Submission Stage 2 open (by invitation)
12:00 Midday 1 October 2026 (BST)
Submission Stage 2 deadline
12:00 Midday on 29 October 2026 (GMT)
Total funding available
A share of up to £5 million is available immediately, the Authority anticipates an award of multiple contracts, subject to availability and quality of the proposals.
Expected contract start
Aim to start November/December 2026
Project duration
Equal to or less than 6 months
Where do I submit my proposal?
Stage 1 submissions should be made through the
UKDI Online Submission Service
where you will need to register for an account if you don’t already have one.
Stage 2 proposals are to be submitted via the
Defence Sourcing Portal (DSP)
where you will need to register for an account if you don’t already have one.
Only proposals submitted through the relevant portal will be accepted.
Innovators are strongly advised to submit their proposal at least one hour before the specified deadline. Proposals submitted close to the deadline risk encountering issues that cannot be resolved in time.
Webinar
On 9 September 2026, UKDI will host a launch webinar providing further detail on the problem space and a chance to ask questions in an open forum. Copies of the slides will be posted on this site after the event.