While the UK has joined forces with Ukraine, co-developing an anti-drone interceptor under Project OCTOPUS and committing to producing “a thousand a month” or more, with production expected to start imminently, the MoD has started a new project for a future multi-threat, low-cost interceptor.

Under Project GOSHWAK, the MoD seeks to “support the development and trial” of a low-cost interceptor, “optimised for drones, loitering munitions and missiles at close ranges and low altitudes”.

It is therefore inviting interested companies to put forward proposals based on “existing” capability: supplies must detail cruise speeds, sprint speed, intercept ceiling, operational ranges, manoeuvrability, kinetic payload, guidance, seeker performance, communication requirements, capability protection, deliverability timeline, launch system, outline plan for testing against credible scenarios, target interception rates, production costs, deployment ready date and integration requirements for their product.

The Mod intends to award 1 or 2 contracts to support development and trials of the system according to (unreleased) new technical requirements. It also seeks options for future scalability of production: the potential follow-on procurement contract would have an estimated demand of “approximately 3,000 to 7,000 units per year”.

The MoD “ideally” wants products that come under no export control restrictions but notes that “European export control will be acceptable if required”.

The Companies are being called to file their entries by 9 February. It is anticipated that the contracts will have a duration of circa 12 months.

It is probable that GOSHAWK will offer performances substantially higher than those expected of OCTOPUS: the images released so far show OCTOPUS being a drone-interceptor propelled by four small rotors which imply relatively limited speed which make it unsuitable against missiles. GOSHAWK’s requirements suggest a remarkable step up in ambition with the inclusion of missiles and loitering munitions in the target set.

We expect Estonia-based Frankenburg with its FG-1 missile to be a leading contender for GOSHAWK. The company has already concluded a deal in the UK, with Babcock, to explore bringing the FG-1 at sea in a containerised fashion.

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