Royal Navy Uncrewed Surface Vehicle Conversion RFI, Budget c. £60,000
Summary
The Royal Navy has published an early engagement notice seeking industry input on converting a Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) or similar vessel into a remotely operated uncrewed surface vehicle (USV) for use as a mobile target in naval exercises. The procurement aims to assess low-cost options with a budget of approximately sub £60,000 to expedite Royal Navy trials and experimentation. Responses are invited by 30 April 2026.
What changed
The Royal Navy has issued an open early engagement notice inviting industry feedback on the conversion of Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) or similar vessels into remotely operated uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs) for use as mobile targets in naval exercises. The RFI acknowledges global proliferation of USV systems and aims to identify low-cost options (approximately sub £60,000) to accelerate Royal Navy trials and experimentation.
Affected parties include maritime vessel manufacturers, defence contractors, and technology companies capable of converting or supplying remotely operated surface vessels. SMEs and VCSEs are explicitly encouraged to participate. Interested suppliers should contact NAVYCOMRCL-RFI@mod.gov.uk by 30 April 2026 following instructions in the attached documentation.
Archived snapshot
Apr 19, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
Published date: 19 April 2026
Open early engagement - This means that a procurement idea is currently active, it is in the early stage of development and judging interest from potential suppliers.
Watch this notice Print this notice Closing date: 30 April 2026
Contract summary
Industry
- Boats - 34520000
Location of contract
PO2 8BY
Procurement reference
tender_527742/1569115
Published date
19 April 2026
Closing date
30 April 2026
Contract is suitable for SMEs?
Yes
Contract is suitable for VCSEs?
Yes
Description
The Royal Navy is keen to understand the industry options available for the conversion of a Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB), or similar vessel, into a remotely operated uncrewed surface vehicle (USV), to be used as a mobile target in various Naval exercises.
Acknowledging the global proliferation of these systems, the goal is to assess the specifications of low-cost options (c. sub £60,000), to further expedite Royal Navy trials and experimentation.
More information
Attachments
How to apply
Follow the instructions given in the description or the more information section.
About the buyer
Address
WHALE ISLAND
PORTSMOUTH
PO2 8BY
England
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Watch this notice Print this notice Closing date: 30 April 2026
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