The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has initiated a new competition, Project PANOPTES, through UK Defence Innovation (UKDI). This initiative aims to find an integrated Counter-Uncrewed Aerial System (C-UAS) force-protection capability.
UK-based innovators are invited to submit proposals, with a share of £5 million available immediately. The deadline for initial submissions to Stage 1 is midday on 23 September 2026 (BST).
The MOD is seeking solutions to detect, track, identify, decide, and defeat mass and low-cost threats cost-effectively, particularly for deployed land forces and the protection of defence fixed infrastructure. A launch webinar is scheduled for 9 September 2026 to provide further details and allow attendees to ask questions.