Ministry of Justice launches Innovation Challenge for counter-drone technology

Land November 5, 2025

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ), in collaboration with His Majesty’s Government Communications Centre (HMGCC) Co-Creation, has initiated a new innovation challenge designed to source advanced solutions to counter the escalating threat of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to UK prisons. This initiative presents a significant opportunity for technology and security firms, including those in the defence supply chain, to secure funding and develop new systems for the domestic security market.

The ‘Counter-Drone Challenge’ invites industry to develop and present cutting-edge systems capable of detecting drones specifically designed to evade existing security measures. Successful applicants will be awarded £60,000 in funding to progress their proposals to a proof-of-concept stage over a focused 12-week development period. This programme seeks to fast-track innovation and directly address operational requirements within His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service. The core requirement is for solutions that are both effective and simple to operate within the legal frameworks governing prison security.

The challenge is a direct response to a marked increase in drone-related security incidents at UK prisons, which have risen by over 770% between 2019 and 2023. Organised criminal groups are increasingly using UAS to smuggle contraband, including drugs and mobile phones, into secure establishments, thereby undermining safety and rehabilitation efforts. This creates a clear and growing market for effective counter-UAS technologies.

This funding opportunity is part of a wider government strategy to enhance prison security. For the current financial year, the government is investing £40 million to strengthen security measures, with £10 million of this sum specifically allocated to anti-drone capabilities. This investment includes the deployment of physical countermeasures such as exterior netting and reinforced windows, but the new challenge signals a clear intent to procure more sophisticated technological systems. For potential suppliers, this indicates a sustained commitment from the MoJ to engage with industry and integrate innovative solutions. The challenge follows a technology showcase held in July, where businesses presented new security systems to ministers, further demonstrating the department’s strategy to leverage private sector expertise to address complex security problems. Companies with expertise in RF detection, sensor fusion, and integrated security platforms may find this initiative aligns with their core capabilities.

If you would like to join our community and read more articles like this then please click here