NATO opens catalogue to speed up purchases of counter-drone systems

NATO launched a new catalogue on Thursday, 5 November, to speed up the purchase of systems to counter drones. Allies can buy from it without holding a fresh tender, the alliance said.

The catalogue offers 16 systems from five firms. NATO said allied states and Ukraine already use the chosen tools. The aim is to meet urgent needs more quickly.

NATO’s Communications and Information Agency, known as the NCIA, chose the systems through a tender process. The agency drew on lessons from NATO work, national work on new tools and exercises.

The range includes fixed systems, equipment that can be moved and tools for use on the move, NATO said.

Alta Ares and Axon Enterprise Inc. are among the chosen firms. The other suppliers are Northrop Grumman, OSL UK and Quantum Systems.

The NCIA will manage the framework deals, which each last a year and a half. Several firms hold contracts under the scheme. NATO plans fresh rounds of bids at regular intervals to keep the range up to date.

The alliance has set aside €3.1 million for more tests of the chosen systems. Member states or NATO commands can carry out those tests, it said.

The catalogue forms part of Drone Edge. NATO launched that scheme in July at its summit defence industry forum in Ankara.

The alliance said members had also pledged more than $40 billion for tools to counter drones over the next five years. That pledge is separate from the new catalogue. It is a commitment to spend, rather than money already paid out.