Polar-capable Uncrewed Aerial System

Details

RFx ID :	33639046
Tender Name :	Polar-capable Uncrewed Aerial System
Reference # :	1-478-001
Open Date :	Monday, 23 March 2026 5:00 PM (Pacific/Auckland UTC+13:00)
Close Date  :	Sunday, 12 April 2026 10:00 PM (Pacific/Auckland UTC+12:00)
Tender Type :	Request for Information (Market research) (RFI)
Tender Coverage :	Sole Agency  [?]
Categories :	25000000 - Commercial and Military and Private Vehicles and their Accessories and Components 46000000 - Defense and Law Enforcement and Security and Safety Equipment and Supplies 92000000 - National Defense and Public Order and Security and Safety Services
Regions:	International
Required Pre-qualifications :	None
Contact :	Dave Wills polaruas@defence.govt.nz
Alternate Physical Delivery Address  :
Alternate Physical Fax Number  :

The New Zealand Ministry of Defence is seeking to identify manufacturers and receive information from those manufacturers relevant to Polar-capable Uncrewed Aerial Systems which can conduct Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance gathering, that:

1. Can be operated from ships.

2. Are Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL).

3. Have a maximum take-off weight less than 500 Kgs.

4. Must be able to operate Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS).

We are seeking general information/product overviews along with responses to specific questions. Please refer to the RFI document.

Alongside the RFI document is a document titled "Defence Uncrewed and Autonomous Intent" - this provides a high-level overview of NZDF's approach to uncrewed systems, which includes the Polar-capable UAS.

Any questions during the RFI period can be directed to polaruas@defence.govt.nz