NATO seeks electronic warfare countermeasures for drones

NATO is seeking to understand the availability of electronic warfare (EW) countermeasures that can protect UASs.

A request for information (RFI), published on the NATO Support and Procurement Agency portal on 16 August, is specifically looking for high technology readiness level systems that protect UAS’ command and control and situational awareness systems.

In particular, podded systems with internal payloads that can be integrated into NATO Class 1 or Class 3 UASs are sought. Class 1 UASs are classified as weighing less than 150kg, while Class 3 UASs weigh more than 600kg.

According to the RFI, an increasing number of aerial platforms, including long-range UASs, need to be equipped with the most advanced EW countermeasures to prevent adversary jamming or spoofing efforts.

These include countermeasures that offer "early detection, direction finding, and active capabilities to defeat electromagnetic threats".

What EW countermeasures is NATO seeking?

The envisaged podded EW countermeasure would be mounted beneath the wing or fuselage of a UAS. NATO is asking respondents to provide information on both the pod, and the internal payload. The alliance states that the payload must work within a “limited” weight, size, environmental, and power capacity.

Requirements for the pod itself are split between the UAS sizes. For larger, NATO Class 3 platforms, the RFI gives a baseline length of 290-320cm and an unladen weight of 40kg. For smaller pods under the NATO Class 1 definition, no specific size requirements have been outlined, with the stated priority being pods that are low cost and easy to mass produce.

Across both UAS platforms, NATO aims to avoid vendor lock-in by encouraging “common design characteristics”.

Meanwhile the payload should have a “small footprint” and be built using an open architecture.

Responding to the RFI

Respondents are asked to supply information on estimated lead times from order to delivery, and a summary of comparable contracts.

The agency states the RFI is not an invitation to bid and will not result in a contract award. Responses are due by 16 October.