DCTO Medium Uncrewed Surface Vessel (MUSV)

Ministry of Defence

Published: Aug 5, 2026

Updated: Aug 5, 2026

Source: uk_fts

About This Opportunity

This is a supplies contract in the architecture and engineering and information and communication technology sectors, with a focus on Hardware. Located in United Kingdom, Europe, this opportunity is open to firms and consortiums, with an estimated budget of GBP 8.3 million.

Published through UK FTS - Find a Tender Service, a national government procurement portal. Public procurement tenders follow the country's national bidding regulations and may have specific eligibility and documentation requirements for the supply of goods in the architecture and engineering sector. Supply contracts typically require bidders to demonstrate product compliance with technical specifications, delivery capacity, and relevant certifications. This is an advance notice — the formal tender is expected to be published shortly. Interested parties can use this time to prepare documentation and identify potential partners.

Description

DCTO is looking to procure a multi-role Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) testbed, for the purpose of technology demonstration which can be delivered by the end of FY26/27. The vessel is expected to operate in three primary configurations: • Standalone uncrewed operations from a shore-based Remote Operating Centre (ROC) • Integrated operations alongside a mothership (e.g. embarked or supported by a host platform) • Distributed multi-platform operations alongside other USVs Typical mission profiles will include: • Long-range transits to operating areas • Persistent loiter operations with active payload use • Technology trials involving sensor, autonomy and payload integration

Data provenance

This notice is sourced from UK FTS - Find a Tender Service and was originally published on August 5, 2026. Last refreshed 1 day ago. Reference: 074351-2026. BidsFactory mirrors official procurement notices and links back to the source for full legal text.

About Ministry of Defence

Ministry of Defence has issued 1,081 procurement notices on BidsFactory, including 50 currently open and 791 awarded contracts. Activity concentrates in Information & Communication Technology, Architecture & Engineering Services, and Governance & Public Administration. Tenders span 7 countries including CY, Singapore, and New Zealand. Notices are distributed via UK Contracts Finder, UK FTS - Find a Tender Service, and TED - Tenders Electronic Daily (EU). Most recent publication: August 5, 2026.

Frequently asked questions about this tender

What is the estimated budget?

The estimated contract value is £8,333,333 - £8,333,333. Bidders should ensure their proposals are consistent with this range and account for any local taxes and contract execution costs.

Where will the contract be performed?

The contract is for delivery in United Kingdom. Foreign bidders should review local registration, taxation, and any in-country presence requirements before submitting.

How can I submit a bid?

Visit UK FTS - Find a Tender Service to access the full notice, required documents, and submission instructions. Quote reference 074351-2026 when communicating with the contracting authority.

Who is the contracting authority?

This notice was issued by Ministry of Defence in United Kingdom. The authority is responsible for evaluating bids, awarding the contract, and managing performance.

What type of contract is this?

This is a Supplies contract in the Architecture & Engineering Services sector. The classification helps bidders match the opportunity to their qualifications and registered scope of supply.