NATO launches marketplace to speed up counter-drone purchases
NATO launched a counter-drone marketplace on 5 November, allowing allies to buy selected systems directly from its catalogue without a further tender process.
NATO launched a counter-drone marketplace on 5 November, allowing allies to buy selected systems directly from its catalogue without a further tender process.
The NATO Communications and Information Agency selected 16 solutions from five companies: Alta Ares, Axon Enterprise, Northrop Grumman, OSL UK and Quantum Systems. The catalogue covers static, transportable and mobile systems.
NATO said it has allocated €3.1 million for additional testing. The framework contracts last 18 months, with regular competitions intended to keep new technology available. This is a government procurement mechanism, not a shop for the public.
NATO said the marketplace is part of Drone Edge, an initiative launched at the NATO Summit Defence Industry Forum in Ankara in July. The selected systems were chosen based on NATO, national innovation activities and exercises, and have already been deployed in Allied countries and in Ukraine. The NCIA hosts the NATO Counter-UAS Centre of Expertise. NATO added that the marketplace complements Allies’ commitment under Drone Edge to invest more than $40 billion in counter-drone capabilities over the next five years.