Alta Ares Says It Won Six of 16 Lots in NATO's New Counter-Drone Catalogue
Alta Ares says it won six of 16 lots in NATO's counter-drone marketplace, launched Nov. 5. Allies can buy or lease from the catalogue without a new tender. No Ally has ordered yet, and NATO has not published lots by company or a contract value.
NATO's marketplace lets Allies buy the French startup's counter-drone systems without a new tender, and none had ordered as of Nov. 5.
NATO launched its Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems marketplace on Nov. 5 under its Drone Edge initiative, the Alliance announced. The NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) ran the competition and selected 16 solutions from Alta Ares, Axon Enterprise, Northrop Grumman, OSL UK and Quantum Systems. Alta Ares said it won six of the 16 lots, its largest contract to date. NATO's statement gives no split by company and no contract value.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did NATO launch on Nov. 5?
The Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems marketplace, a catalogue of 16 counter-drone solutions from five companies that NCIA selected by competition. Allies can procure from it without any further tender process, per NATO's statement.
What did Alta Ares win?
Alta Ares said it won six of the 16 lots, covering area defence and border protection, and called it its largest contract to date. NATO's statement names the five companies but gives no split by company and no contract value.
Is this an order for equipment?
No. It is a framework that lets Allies place orders. No Ally had bought through the marketplace as of Nov. 5, Europa Press reported, and Army Recognition noted the framework is not a firm order.
How much do the systems cost and how fast can they arrive?
Each capability costs between €1.6 million and €25 million and can be bought or leased, according to NATO. NCIA chief scientist Cristian Coman put delivery at 90 to 180 days after a contract is signed, depending on the system.
What should readers watch next?
A first Allied order for an Alta Ares lot. The framework contracts are valid for 18 months from signature, can be extended, and NATO intends to run regular competitions, per NCIA.
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Marcus Schuler
Marcus Schuler edits BattlePolicy, a daily defense-technology brief connecting the companies and capabilities behind modern war to the contest among Europe, the US, Russia, and China.