Hackathon on countering fiber-optic-controlled FPV drones: applications accepted until May 30

The NATO-Ukraine Joint Analysis, Training, and Education Centre (JATEC) continues to accept applications for the 16th edition of the NATO Innovation Challenge, which focuses on countering fiber-optic-controlled FPV drones.

The competition will be held in partnership with NATO’s Allied Command Transformation (ACT).

Fiber-optic-controlled FPV drones exhibit enhanced resistance to electronic warfare (EW) countermeasures and pose a significant challenge to the forces of Ukraine and NATO member states alike. In response, JATEC has initiated an effort to find solutions capable of effectively detecting, identifying, and neutralizing threats posed by such unmanned systems.

Applications are accepted until May 30, 2025. The selection process focuses on technologies aimed at the following:

• Target detection and prioritization (optical, thermal, acoustic, radar, or hybrid systems);
• Precise tracking of high-velocity, small-dimension objects;
• Defeat systems encompassing both kinetic and non-kinetic means (such as high-frequency energy, nets, and specialized munitions).

Applications are open to organizations registered in NATO member states. Team representatives must be citizens of one of these countries. Ukrainian developers are also encouraged to participate — their proposals may be incorporated into later phases of the competition.

Solutions must meet the following key criteria:

• Capability to detect fiber-optic-controlled FPV drones at a range of at least 500 meters;
• Functionality in all weather conditions, both day and night;
• Compact design (weighing up to 100 kg);
• The cost of the solution must not exceed USD 100,000.

The announcement of finalists is scheduled for June 5, followed by a public defense and demonstration of the selected solutions on June 20 in Tallinn, Estonia.

Winners will gain not only access to NATO’s expert community but also new opportunities to integrate their technologies into joint defense initiatives, expand partnerships with the Alliance’s innovation centers, and directly contribute to strengthening the defense capabilities of Ukraine and its allies.

Registration for participation is available here.