Summary of the challenge
Counter drone technology is evolving rapidly. As drone threats develop, countermeasures adapt in response, creating a continuous cycle of innovation.
HMGCC Co-Creation is launching a challenge in collaboration with jHub, the central innovation hub for UK Defence’s Cyber & Specialist Operations Command, and the Ministry of Justice (MoJ).
This challenge has two distinct, but related workstreams. Solution providers are invited to apply for workstream one, two, or both:
One: jHub require detection and disruption of drone ground control stations, which could be controlling single or swarms of enemy drones.
Two: MoJ need to detect drones commanded over cellular networks via in-built SIM cards in a civilian scenario.
HMGCC Co-Creation will provide funding for time, materials, overheads and other indirect expenses for successful applicants.
Context
The threat from drones is frequently seen in the media, as adversaries continue to leverage this technology to do the UK and its allies harm and conduct criminal activity.
Sectors
Aerospace, Data science and engineering, Electronic engineering, Machine Learning, Physical security, Radio Frequency science and engineering, Radio systems, Robotic & Autonomous Systems, Systems engineering, Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles
A briefing call will be held on Tuesday 18 November 2025 at 11am. Click here to register for the briefing call. (Please note: Recording or use of AI notetakers is not permitted.)
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This challenge is open to sole innovators, industry, academic and research organisations of all types and sizes. There is no requirement for security clearances.
Solution providers or direct collaboration from countries listed by the UK government under trade sanctions and/or arms embargoes, are not eligible for HMGCC Co- Creation challenges.
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This is a brief summary: for full details of each workstream, please read the full challenge document at the HMGCC Co-Creation site.
jHub – workstream one
In modern warzones, various drone technologies are used. From those controlled
over radio frequency (RF), cellular networks and fibre optic cables, with low-cost
disposable commercial drones to more sophisticated and hardened military grade
systems.While disrupting drones in military operations is achievable, targeting the ground
control station where operators pilot these systems could provide significant strategic
advantages by reducing adversaries’ capabilities.This challenge focuses on developing technology that can detect and pinpoint the
location of enemy ground control stations using information from drones whilst they
are in flight. The goal is to then disable all drones controlled by those stations. -
This is a brief summary: for full details of each workstream, please read the full challenge document at the HMGCC Co-Creation site.
MoJ – workstream two
From April 2024 to March 2025 there were a reported 1,712 UAS incidents reported
at prisons over England and Wales. His Majesty’s Prison and Probation
Service (HMPPS) continually adopts new methods and tools to reduce the risk of
such events, but constant innovation is required.The commercial market is growing for cellular network-controlled drones that use 4G
or 5G data connections. This technology allows operators to control drones from any
location, even when the drone is beyond their visual range. However, these cellularcontrolled drones require different detection methods compared to traditional RFcontrolled drones.The focus of this challenge lies in semi-automated detection of drones that use
cellular networks for control. -
Competition opens: Monday 3 November 2025
Clarifying questions deadline: Tuesday 18 November 2025
Briefing Call (Please note: Recording or use of AI notetakers is not permitted): Tuesday 18 November 2025 at 11am. Click here to register for the briefing call.
Clarifying questions published: Tuesday 25 November 2025
Competition closes: Thursday 4 December 2025
Applicant(s) notified: Monday 22 December 2025
Pitch day (1) in Milton Keynes Tuesday 6 January 2026
Pitch day (2) in Milton Keynes Wednesday 7 January 2026
Pitch Day outcome Wednesday 14 January 2026
Commercial onboarding begins: Tuesday 20 January 2026 (the successful solution provider will be expected to have availability for a one-hour onboarding call via MS Teams to begin the onboarding/contractual process.)
Target project kick-off: Early February 2026