The UK National Protective Security Authority (NPSA), in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, is inviting expressions of interest to participate in the next Capability Optimisation Research Environment (CORE) event, scheduled to take place in the U.K. between 23-27 February 2026.
CORE provides a collaborative test and experimentation environment for organisations developing counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) technologies. It enables participants to research, trial and refine capabilities alongside UK Government and international partners.
The event comprises two themes:
Theme A – Optical Systems for C-UAS Detection and Situational Awareness
This strand will explore the capabilities of optical and imaging systems that can support C-UAS detection and situational awareness. NPSA is interested in technologies that provide persistent observation of an operational environment. Of particular interest are systems that can operate effectively in day, low-light and night conditions.
Theme B – Imagery Based Object Detection, Tracking and Analytic Software
This theme focuses on imagery based object-detection analytics that can identify, classify or track UAS within optical imagery. Of particular interest are systems that can operate effectively in both day and night conditions and can ingest external video feeds to detect small UAS against clear-sky and cluttered backgrounds.
Participants will have the opportunity to evaluate algorithm performance in a controlled environment, comparing detection accuracy and adaptability across multiple sensor types.
Expressions of interest should be submitted to CUAS@npsa.gov.uk by Friday 31st October 2025.
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