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Apply for NATO C-UAS testing – direct access to international partners
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ICT and digitisation
Technology companies, startups and defence industry actors now have the opportunity to participate in NATO operational testing as applications are open for the Layered Counter-UAS Initiative (LCI-X) Crucible 2-26.
Borderland Europe is part of the NATO Innovation Range framework, where the testing event in June 2026 will bring together NATO Allied Command Transformation, Allied Nations and leading international innovators in Finland and Latvia. The objective is to develop and evaluate advanced technologies in a real operational environment and strengthen capabilities related to countering unmanned aerial systems.
Seeking solutions to key challenges
The call is open to organisations with solutions at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 or higher in the following areas:
- C-UAS detection and sensor fusion
- AI-enabled command and control and situational awareness
- Resilient communications in contested environments
- Integration of unmanned systems
Selected participants will have a unique opportunity to test their technologies in practice and demonstrate their operational effectiveness in a NATO environment.
Direct access to international partners and funding opportunities
Participants will be able to showcase their solutions directly to NATO, the Finnish Defence Forces, and allied defence and procurement decision-makers. In addition, they will gain access to the DEFINE C2 AI Lab environment in Riihimäki for pre- and post-exercise integration and technical validation.
The testing also serves as a platform for building international collaboration and unlocking future funding opportunities.
Testing in June – applications open until April 15
The LCI-X Crucible 2-26 testing event will take place on 1–10 June 2026 in Finland (Riihimäki, Joensuu and Turku) and Latvia. The application deadline is 15 April 2026.
Read more and apply:
https://pacific-anteater-683.notion.site/NATO-Innovation-Range-for-Layered-Counter-UAS-Initiative-LCI-X-3351daf6831b806180d8efa308d43e80
For more information: challenge@rain.global
