OFFBEAT
Project PANOPTES allocates £5 million for an autonomous, vehicle‑mounted counter‑drone system
The UK Ministry of Defence is looking for anti‑drone technology that can shield troops from saturation attacks intended to overwhelm defences or exhaust ammunition supplies.
Named Project PANOPTES, the initiative is managed by UK Defence Innovation on behalf of the MoD, with an initial £5 million (about $6.8 million) earmarked for successful bidders.
Initial proposals must be submitted by noon on 23 September, indicating the MoD’s urgency.
The competition documents state that PANOPTES aims to deliver “an integrated Counter‑Uncrewed Aerial System (C‑UAS) force‑protection capability capable of autonomous operation.”
The MoD seeks a system that works alongside existing defences by detecting, tracking, and neutralising low‑cost threats without being overwhelmed or quickly depleting its ammunition. It must operate autonomously and be mountable on an Army vehicle.
UK Defence Innovation says it is “particularly interested in capabilities centred on Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW) effectors,” though it will evaluate other credible options.
The first phase concentrates on NATO Class 1 uncrewed aerial systems—drones weighing up to 150 kg. These are the small battlefield platforms widely used in Ukraine against targets ranging from armoured vehicles to individual soldiers, as opposed to larger drones aimed at fixed installations.
The requirement addresses single, repeated, sequential, and simultaneous threat profiles—including potential swarm attacks—as well as drones employed for disruption or surveillance.
Reg readers may remember that the British Army trialled anti‑drone laser systems a few years ago. Personnel from 16 Royal Artillery fired a 15 kW infrared laser mounted on a Wolfhound armoured truck at airborne targets, “neutralising” them beyond a kilometre.
The MoD noted at the time that those trials were solely a capability demonstration meant to deepen its understanding of laser technology. PANOPTES looks set to advance toward an operational system, although it would not be the first defence competition to end without procurement.
We approached the MoD for additional information, including an estimate of when any viable solutions might enter service with the British Army.
PANOPTES proceeds in two stages: applicants first submit concept outlines, and those with the most promising ideas are then invited to deliver detailed proposals.
Drone vulnerability remains a pressing concern for militaries worldwide. US‑based defence startup Mara recently revealed a counter‑drone system that launches small interceptors from a vehicle roof, yet such interceptors would eventually be exhausted in combat.
The Royal Navy also issued a request for ship‑based counter‑drone solutions earlier this year. Project TALON envisages blending kinetic projectiles with non‑kinetic measures such as lasers, microwaves, and electronic jamming.
Royal Navy vessels are already slated to receive the DragonFire laser weapon, with the inaugural unit expected to be installed on a Type 45 destroyer next year. Whether that technology can be downsized or adapted for an Army vehicle remains an open question. ®
