Norway launches tactical UAV competition

The Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA) has launched a competition for a small tactical UAV. 

Announced on 31 March, the competition is currently in the prequalification phase, with the authority seeking to identify suppliers that can meet its initial requirements. 

The NDMA told DSEI Gateway that the proposed capability would be “a surveillance and targeting UAV intended for use in maritime operations”. 

Submissions for the prequalification are due by 8 May. 

This announcement comes ahead of a future four-year framework agreement that the authority will look to award to a single supplier following the conclusion of the competition. The agreement is valued at NOK1 billion (GBP78 million).  

According to the competition notice, there is the potential for up to two renewals of the contract, firstly for two years, and secondly for a further year. 

The competition does not define exactly its size specifications for the “small tactical UAS”. However, the NDMA told DSEI Gateway that it "is looking for a small tactical UAS within the weight class of 25–150kg. We typically define the maximum takeoff weight as 150kg.” 

Companies looking to enter will need to do so via the Mercell portal, where further documentation regarding the competition and associated forms are available.