French-Ukrainian defense company Alta Ares received the largest number of lots under NATO's new framework procurement mechanism for countering drones. Its technologies were included in the Alliance's catalog, which will allow member countries to purchase relevant equipment without additional tenders.
NATO's press service announced the launch of the new mechanism on November 5, reported. Alta Ares specified on its official LinkedIn page that it won six of 16 lots - more than any other participant in the selection.
NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) selected 16 technological solutions from five companies. Besides Alta Ares, the list includes American Axon Enterprise and Northrop Grumman, British OSL UK, and German Quantum Systems.
The selected systems are intended for detection, tracking, and neutralization of drones. The catalog covers stationary, transportable, and mobile solutions for protecting military facilities, critical infrastructure, and other areas.
Alta Ares develops integrated air defense systems using artificial intelligence. The company combines software, sensors, control means, and interceptor drones. Its technologies were created, in particular, taking into account experience in countering drones during the war in Ukraine.
The new mechanism will operate through the Drone Edge Marketplace platform. NATO countries will be able to order pre-selected systems without a repeated competitive procedure, which should shorten defense procurement timelines.
Framework agreements are for 18 months with the possibility of extension. However, inclusion of technologies in the catalog does not mean receiving guaranteed orders for specific quantities of equipment. Their number and cost will depend on further purchases by individual states and Alliance structures.
NATO also allocated 3.1 million euros for additional testing of the selected technologies. These funds are intended for testing solutions by member countries and Alliance commands, not exclusively for Alta Ares.
The program is part of the Drone Edge initiative launched in July 2026. Under it, NATO countries have committed to invest more than 40 billion dollars in counter-drone technologies over the next five years.
