HMGCC Co-Creation Challenge: Novel Counter Drone and Ground Station Solutions

Silhouette of a drone flying against a bright blue sky with dark blue mountains below.

Summary of Challenge

Counter drone technology is evolving rapidly. As drone threats develop, countermeasures adapt in response, creating a continuous cycle of innovation. HMGCC Co-Creation is launching a challenge in collaboration with jHub, the central innovation hub for UK Defence’s Cyber & Specialist Operations Command, and the Ministry of Justice (MoJ). This challenge has two distinct, but related workstreams. Solution providers are invited to apply for workstream one, two, or both.

One: jHub require detection and disruption of drone ground control stations, which could be controlling single or swarms of enemy drones.

Two: MoJ need to detect drones commanded over cellular networks via in-built SIM cards in a civilian scenario.

HMGCC Co-Creation will provide funding for time, materials, overheads and other indirect expenses for successful applicants.

Context of Challenge

The threat from drones is frequently seen in the media, as adversaries continue to leverage this technology to do the UK and its allies harm and conduct criminal activity.

jHub – workstream one

The mission of jHub is to bridge the gap between emerging technology and operational requirements, giving defence users the tools to stay faster, smarter, and stronger in a constantly evolving environment.

In modern warzones, various drone technologies are used. From those controlled over radio frequency (RF), cellular networks and fibre optic cables, with low-cost disposable commercial drones to more sophisticated and hardened military grade systems.

While disrupting drones in military operations is achievable, targeting the ground control station where operators pilot these systems could provide significant strategic advantages by reducing adversaries’ capabilities.

MoJ – workstream two

The Ministry of Justice is a major government department, at the heart of the justice system, working to protect and advance the principles of justice. From April 2024 to March 2025 there was a reported 1,712 UAS incidents reported at prisons over England and Wales. His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) continually adopts new methods and tools to reduce the risk of such events, but constant innovation is required.

The commercial market is growing for cellular network-controlled drones that use 4G or 5G data connections. This technology allows operators to control drones from any location, even when the drone is beyond their visual range. However, these cellular-controlled drones require different detection methods compared to traditional RF-controlled drones.

The Gap

jHub – workstream one

Ground control stations are essential for all drone operations, regardless of the diverse drone technology used in modern conflicts.

Enemy drones on the battlefield are often controlled from positions far behind enemy lines – sometimes up to 40 kilometres away. This distance makes it challenging to locate the control stations, especially given the hostile electronic warfare environment and the use of rebroadcasting stations extending drone range beyond direct line of sight, whilst hiding the true location of the control station.

This challenge focuses on developing technology that can detect and pinpoint the location of enemy ground control stations using information from drones whilst they are in flight. The goal is to then disable all drones controlled by those stations.

MoJ – workstream two

The running of prisons in the UK is complex. HMPPS operates around the clock across urban and rural locations, with any UAS incursions occurring at speed and countermeasures that must comply with UK legal requirements.

There are several counter-drone technologies on the commercial market, but these are typically focused on detection and countering RF controlled drones.

The focus of this challenge lies in semi-automated detection of drones that use cellular networks for control.

Dates

Eligibility

This challenge is open to sole innovators, industry, academic and research organisations of all types and sizes. There is no requirement for security clearances.

Solution providers or direct collaboration from countries listed by the UK government under trade sanctions and/or arms embargoes, are not eligible for HMGCC Co-Creation challenges.

How to Apply

Please submit your application on the HMGCC Co-Creation website. Any queries please email Co-Creation@dstl.gov.uk and cocreation@hmgcc.gov.uk.

All information you provide to us as part of your proposal will be handled in confidence.

Applications must be no more than six pages or six slides in length. HMGCC Co-Creation reserve the right to stop reading after 6 pages if this limit is breached. The page/slide limit excludes title pages, references, personnel CVs and organisational profiles.

There is no prescribed application format, however, please ensure your application includes the following:

Challenge Documents