UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement - Royal Navy Type 93 Extra-Large Uncrewed Underwater Vehicle (XLUUV) and AUKUS Signature Payload Programme Preliminary  Market Engagement: Invitation to Register Interest

The Royal Navy is inviting organisations to register their interest in preliminary market engagement for the Type 93 and AUKUS Signature Payload Programme. The Royal Navy seeks to improve its understanding of the market and wider ecosystem for Extra-Large Uncrewed Underwater Vehicle (XLUUV) platforms, associated payloads, and enabling functions. This activity supports the development of the Type 93 capability and the Royal Navy’s commitments under the AUKUS Pillar II Signature Project.

The purpose of the registration of interest is to gather a comprehensive list of interested suppliers for XLUUV market segments and the wider ecosystem. This includes, but is not limited to: XLUUV platform providers, payload providers, relevant technology and software suppliers including Autonomy, AI and Mission Management Systems, integrators, through-life support providers, and other relevant suppliers. Suppliers who register their interest through this notice may be invited to participate in subsequent preliminary market engagement activities, including but not limited to, collaborative workshops, 1:1 meetings, industry days, and written requests for information (RFIs). Responses will be used to inform requirements development, and future market engagement and wider programme planning.

The Royal Navy is initially considering platforms approximately 2 metres in diameter and 12 metres in length, however organisations offering platforms of other dimensions are also encouraged to register. This notice should not be considered as a commitment from the Royal Navy to progress with any future procurement activities.

The programme directly aligns with the Strategic Defence Review (SDR), Defence Investment Plan (DIP) and AUKUS Pillar II priorities, supporting the transition to a Hybrid Navy through the integration of autonomous and uncrewed maritime capabilities.

The value of £1 and contract duration of 12 months should be regarded as nominal and will be updated via future notice(s) as the programme progresses, figures and dates mature, and are subsequently confirmed.