UAS Heavy Lift Capability (UASHLC) reopening #1

The UAS Heavy Lift Capability (UASHLC) Framework Reopening #1 is a UK Ministry of Defence contract notice valued at £1,225,000 (within a £95 million overall programme) to expand the supplier framework for uncrewed air systems (UAS) capable of heavy-lift operations, particularly for maritime beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) payload delivery. It aims to accelerate development of autonomous or remotely piloted heavy-lift UAS, demonstrate capabilities, and inform Royal Navy operating concepts through competitive sprints and funding opportunities for platforms, payloads, and supporting technologies. The framework, running until 2026, reopened to increase delivery-ready options and reduce time-to-market for military requirements.