Military operations rely heavily on secure and unhindered access to airspace. This access is crucial for all aircraft types, from traditional manned aircraft to the newest unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). However, the growing complexity of airspace usage, with the introduction of novel technologies and evolving military tactics, presents a significant challenge. Recognizing this complexity, the European Defence Agency (EDA) has taken a leading role in promoting safe airspace integration.
The "Enablers for safe airspace integration of military air capabilities in the European sky" represents a significant initiative aimed at equipping European militaries for efficient and secure airspace access. This cluster initiative encompasses four distinct projects, each tackling specific aspects of safe airspace integration:
Lot 1: UAS Single European Sky Experimental Integration (max. estimated budget 1.5M Eur)
In a drive to elevate the capabilities of European-made low-cost small and tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) for precision navigation, the new project focuses on two key objectives. Firstly, it seeks to enhance their operational resilience in challenging environments for safe airspace integration – specifically environments with limited or denied GNSS access and potential electronic jamming threats. Secondly, the project will leverage recent breakthroughs in EU space-based services alongside onboard sensor fusion powered by artificial intelligence. This integration aims to achieve unwavering navigation accuracy regardless of spectrum availability, demonstrably validating its effectiveness through real-world proof-of-concept and demonstration phases. The successful development of these advanced navigation capabilities for UAS aims to ensure their safe integration into the airspace.
Lot 2: Risk Assessment for UAS operations (max. estimated budget 400 k Eur)
The objective of this lot is to expand the current online tool supporting the MIL-UAS-SPECIFIC methodology (see EDA webpage https://eda.europa.eu/mil-uas-specific-study) to automatize most of the risk assessment process by leveraging the – regularly updated - MIL-UAS-SPECIFIC methodology or any other harmonised Risk assessment methodology accepted by the military (e.g., SORA). The current online tool will become a “networking/connecting” online tool, with selectable Risk assessment methodologies running back office, including a selectable accepted risk level for the UAS operations to cover operations in peace, crisis and war times.
Lot 3: Higher Airspace Operations study (max. estimated budget 800 kEur)
Over the last years, Higher Airspace Operations (HAO) have been in the spotlight. The upcoming EASA regulatory work requires that the civil–military aspects are included. The objective is to clarify specific civil–military aspects in the domain of HAO in order to: a) analyse the security risks posed by HAO; b) Address potential challenges in order to avoid any adverse impact on national security and defence capabilities with an EU approach; c) Ensure military access to higher airspace. Take advantage of all opportunities, particularly those offered by the civil-military collaboration make the most of the identified synergies.
Lot 4: Consultancy services for needs assessment, market research and consultation, analysis of the state-of-the-art (max. estimated budget 200 kEur)
This project aims to bridge the gap by assessing the specific needs of military UAS users and leverage the dual-use of UAS technology towards the safe integration into European airspace. It has three key objectives: a) to understand end-user needs for safe airspace UAS integration. b) to evaluate technologies for enhanced UAS integration, including the market research and analysis of state-of-the-art of current conspicuity, ATM and positioning technologies within the EU market, that can enable safe UAS integration; c) proposal of way forward and consultation for future projects.
PUBLIC TENDERS ARE ONLINE: Deadline for submission 16 September 2024, 17h00 CET.
You can find all the information in the links below:
CONTACT INFORMATION
Any request for additional information must be made in writing only through the F&T portal in the “questions and answers” tab by clicking “create a question” (registration on F&T portal is required to be able to create and submit a question):
- For technical questions, inquiries can be made from the launch of the procedure till six (6) days before the submission deadline.
- For procedural or contractual questions, responses to questions received from Tenderers will be provided starting from 9th of August.