7th Air Force Requests Combat-Proven C-UAS Solutions for South Korea

On October 5, 2026, the U.S. Air Force’s 7th Air Force officially released a Request for Information (RFI) for Project Iron Sentry, targeting market input on combat-proven counter-uncrewed aircraft system (C-UAS) capabilities. This initiative aims to bolster point-defense modernization at Air Force bases in South Korea in response to an evolving threat landscape characterized by increased drone activity, particularly from North Korea. As the Air Force continues to innovate its approach to defense, this RFI emphasizes a strategic focus on integrated defense capabilities across Korean joint bases, reinforcing U.S. military readiness in the region.

The RFI signals a proactive measure amid escalating security concerns over North Korea's advancing drone capabilities. Recent reports indicate that North Korea has been practicing "swarm" operations—utilizing multiple drones in coordinated attacks, which raises significant alarms for U.S. forces stationed in South Korea. With capabilities that must now address both small and larger drones, the RFI specifies the need for systems that are capable of protecting Air Force installations from a diverse array of aerial threats. This emphasis underscores the urgency for innovative solutions that enhance the U.S. military’s defensive posture.

The 7th Air Force's call for engagement through the RFI, although not a solicitation for contracts, serves as a foundational step for vendors to align their offerings with the Air Force's modernization objectives. Vendors interested in participating must be qualified under the Pentagon's Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies (APFIT) program. This unique partnership with the Pentagon is designed to expedite the adoption and integration of cutting-edge technologies into military operations, allowing the U.S. armed services to respond more agilely to emerging threats.

This RFI follows an announcement by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach regarding a comprehensive strategy to enhance point defense capabilities. In his keynote address at the Air, Space and Cyber Conference, he articulated the importance of evolving operational paradigms, emphasizing that point defense must transition from being a secondary consideration to a core function of air and space power. The existence of a new career field for airmen specializing in point defense reflects a commitment to ensure that U.S. forces can effectively counter aerial threats, thereby safeguarding personnel and infrastructure.

The shift toward more integrated systems, described in the context of the Point Defense Weapon System, indicates a broader movement within the Air Force toward connecting sensors, command and control, and layered detection mechanisms for long-term operational resilience. The urgency of this modernization effort cannot be overstated, particularly given the increasingly sophisticated aerial threats facing the U.S. forces in Southeast Asia.

As such, contractors are encouraged to outline the capabilities of their systems to meet the specific needs described in the RFI, focusing on differentiating their technologies for small systems versus larger ones. While this initiative presents an opportunity for market engagement, the call does not specify procurement contacts or submission deadlines, indicating that interested parties should prepare for a strategic alignment of their offerings with the needs articulated by the Air Force.