The National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) has opened expressions of interest for manufacturers and suppliers to participate in its independent counter-UAS equipment evaluations program for 2026. Working alongside UK Government departments and operational end-users, the initiative provides manufacturers with rigorous, credible testing of Counter-UAS systems in realistic operational conditions, allowing both government agencies and manufacturers to gain crucial data.
The NPSA, serving as the UK’s national authority for protective security, conducts independent, operationally informed evaluations of C-UAS capability. The programme supports industry by accelerating product development, strengthening performance credibility, and helping customers make informed procurement decisions.
Participation Benefits and Requirements for Evaluation
Evaluation results help government agencies, policing, critical national infrastructure, and the wider security community understand C-UAS system performance and support evidence-based procurement. Notably, NPSA evaluation is now a minimum requirement in Home Office procurement of Counter-UAS technology.
A UK Government Department Security Lead stated: “We only procure systems we understand. Participation in NPSA evaluations gives us confidence in capability and reliability.”
Successful applicants will deploy their counter-UAS systems to a live NPSA test site and undergo controlled, measurable test scenarios based on NPSA standards recognised across UK government—all at no cost for the evaluation itself. Vendors gain inclusion in NPSA’s Catalogue of Security Equipment alongside a detailed evaluation report, with permissions to use excerpts and quotes in customer conversations.
According to a C-UAS vendor who participated previously: “The NPSA evaluation gave us useful technical feedback from experienced operational end-users and increased our credibility with government buyers. Being tested mattered.”
Eligibility and Next Steps
The programme welcomes interest from established Counter-UAS manufacturers providing Detection, Track and Identification capabilities at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 8 or above with systems currently deployed or seeking deployment in live operating environments.
Interested parties should email company details, product name, and contact information to cuas@npsa.gov.uk to register their expressions of interest.
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Ian McNabb is a journalist focusing on drone technology and lifestyle content at Dronelife. He is based between Boston and NH and, when not writing, enjoys hiking and Boston area sports.