Beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) remotely piloted aircraft systems for NPAS

Welcome to this market engagement activity where we are looking to gather information from the market to inform future strategy and decisions.

More information and an online survey regarding this new request, including your opportunity to inform NPAS and BlueLight Commercial can be found using this link:

https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/RFI_BVLOS_RPAS_2026/

Overview

As part of its commitment to providing an effective and efficient service, in support of forces in keeping the public safe, NPAS is exploring the use of BVLOS RPAS to form part of its future blended fleet.

An initial trial has concluded, in which airborne radar systems were operated so they may be evaluated for suitability as part of a detect and avoid system.

This new request for information seeks to understand options, which may be available for the rapid insertion (within 3 years) of this technology, operating in non-segregated airspace in support of units on the ground and over both congested (urban) and non-congested (rural) areas. “Congested area” in relation to a city, town or settlement, means any area, which is substantially used for residential, industrial, commercial or recreational purposes.

If you have any queries in relation to this request for information, please send a message to the team via the In-tend Portal and a response will be provided as soon as possible.

Suppliers submitting information may be asked to participate in a demonstration of their equipment at a further market engagement event. Details of which will be provided once all information is considered.

IMPORTANT

All messages should be directed via the In-tend e-Procurement portal messaging system and no direct contact should be made with NPAS or BlueLight Commercial. A link to the procurement portal is provided here: https://sell2.in-tend.co.uk/blpd/home

This document is not a statement of user need and does not attempt to outline such. It is intended to assist NPAS and BlueLight Commercial representatives to liaise with industry professionals.

All information provided by suppliers in response to this RFI will be treated as commercially sensitive and will not be shared outside of BlueLight Commercial and NPAS representatives.