UK and US armies launch C-UAS project VANAHEIM

The British and United States armies have launched an initiative designed to boost counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) operations. Project VANAHEIM focuses on detecting, tracking, identifying, and neutralising Class 1 UAS threats.

A Preliminary Market Engagement Notice published by the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) on 21 March 2025 states that the project is being run between the British and United States Armies and is the first wave of a substantial programme of work in updating C-UAS capabilities against the rapid development of Small UAS in recent years. “Through VANAHEIM the British Army is aiming to identify promising C-UAS solutions and technology partners with who it can work to field the next generation of C-UAS capabilities.”

VANAHEIM will offer a field-based test environment where industry can test systems in a realistic operational environment and work with Army personnel to shape requirements and potential solutions. The event is planned to take place over multiple days in Germany through June 2025, with subsequent events to be confirmed in July and August. The US Army and Ukrainian Armies will also be participating, with the Australian Army observing.

The notice states that the C-UAS must be usable by generalist soldiers, able to be carried on the soldier or by a light vehicle, and focused on countering class 1 UAS (including first-person view drones).

Solutions must also be Generic Vehicle Architecture/Generic Systems Architecture and ideally SAPIENT compliant, and able to integrate with Battlespace Management Applications.

Industry is invited to submit their capabilities via email by April 2.