Counter-UAS

Leonardo DRS secured a prime position on NASA’s 10-year SEWP VI contract vehicle and a separate Joint Interagency Task Force 401 counter-UAS IDIQ with a $500 million ceiling. SEWP VI ordering begins November 1, 2026, but neither vehicle guarantees revenue; task-order flow and funded requirements will determine the opportunity’s value.

Defense News coverage points to interest in ground and aerial robotics, counter-drone capabilities, resilience to GPS jamming, and satellite communications for longer-range operations. The page identifies no solicitation, award, funding, procurement vehicle, or acquisition timeline, so it is a market signal—not an active bid opportunity.

Qatar is exploring a domestic defense-production hub and broader partnerships with the United Kingdom and other partners, prioritizing air defense, counter-drone systems, cybersecurity, and electronic warfare. The initiative could create future collaboration and investment opportunities, but no solicitation, contract value, or award timeline has been announced.

The U.S. Army awarded L3Harris Technologies a three-year contract worth up to $60 million to advance its Xtended Range Counter-sUAS Missile interceptor. Phase two will test flight performance and assess compatibility with existing military platforms, creating potential openings for suppliers and integration and support providers.

OpenWorks Engineering received a purchase order to provide its Vision Pace counter-UAS system in support of the DHS Science and Technology Directorate, using Amentum’s DoD Information Analysis Center Multiple Award Contract. The award indicates federal demand for deployable drone-sensing capabilities through an existing contract vehicle; order value, quantity, schedule, and deployment locations were not disclosed.

Joint Interagency Task Force 401 assessed layered defenses against small unmanned aircraft systems at an undisclosed U.S. European Command operating location. The activity signals operational interest in integrated counter-UAS capabilities, but no solicitation, contract award, or funding was announced.

The U.S. Army awarded AeroVironment $464.8 million for production of more than 26 modular LOCUST X3 high-energy laser counter-drone systems under the E-HEL program. First delivery is expected by Q4 FY2027, with operational deployment targeted from December 2027 through spring 2028, creating near-term subcontracting opportunities across integration, power, cooling, sensors, training, and sustainment.

L3Harris Technologies and Skydio integrated Falcon IV radios and the Wraith waveform with Skydio’s X10D drone to support command-and-control, position-location data, and anti-jam operations in contested environments. The collaboration may inform future defense evaluations of interoperable UAS and tactical communications, but no government customer, contract, funding, or procurement schedule was announced.

The U.S. Army is ramping up its procurement efforts for advanced weapons and autonomous systems. The recent $729 million contract awarded to RTX highlights a significant push for integrated capabilities in counter-UAS and artillery, positioning contractors for prime opportunities in upcoming fiscal initiatives.

On September 29, 2026, JIATF-401 unveiled a series of significant counter-UAS contracts, totaling **$4.15 billion**. The awards will shape procurement strategies, especially as the Army emphasizes performance and integration amid a backdrop of budget uncertainty affecting timely task order execution.

The Defense Contract Management Agency successfully hosted an event showcasing Ornadyne's O1 unmanned aircraft system, which was misclassified as a bird by participating detection sensors. This highlights ongoing challenges in counter-UAS technology and provides valuable industry insights, although no procurement opportunities were announced.

The AUSA 2026 conference in Washington, D.C. will showcase key priorities for Army modernization, including counter-UAS and expedited equipment delivery. The event presents opportunities for defense vendors to connect with Army leadership and align with upcoming procurement initiatives.

Wrap Technologies is developing WrapShield, a counter-UAS platform that integrates advanced sensing technology and AI for enhanced drone detection. This platform could significantly improve defense procurement strategies by addressing detection gaps, particularly where traditional methods are inadequate.

The Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF-401) has awarded Digital Force Technologies a significant $500 million multiple-award IDIQ contract aimed at countering uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS). This contract, intended for future procurement under the Domestic Shield initiative, signals a robust commitment to enhancing military drone defense capabilities.

On October 6, 2026, DroneShield was awarded a three-year IDIQ contract with JIATF-401 to enhance counter-unmanned aerial systems capabilities. The contract has a ceiling of $500 million, but actual funding will depend on specific task orders issued. This deal underscores the increasing focus on securing military installations against UAS threats.

The U.S. Army has named Aeon, Destinus, and Palladyne AI as finalists in its xTech|Apex Intercept competitions. Demonstrations are scheduled for October-November 2026, with winners to be selected by December 31, underscoring opportunities for contractors in counter-UAS and interceptor technologies.

On September 29, 2026, **JIATF-401** awarded multiple Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts as part of the Domestic Shield initiative for counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). These awards, with values between **$150 million** and **$500 million**, will support critical force protection operations both domestically and internationally. The contracts emphasize the need for open architecture systems, providing opportunities for various suppliers in the defense sector.

The 3rd Annual Counter UAS Middle East & Africa Conference will take place in Amman, Jordan, on June 29-30, 2027. This conference will enable government procurement officials and defense contractors to engage with key stakeholders while addressing regional drone threats and counter-UAS procurement priorities, signaling increased investment in drone defense technologies.

The UK Ministry of Defence has launched Project PANOPTES, a £5 million competition targeting innovative C-UAS solutions. This initiative opens procurement opportunities for contractors in the defense sector, emphasizing modular and integrated architectures.

Draganfly Inc. is increasing its footprint in the U.S. defense market with advanced drone systems. Their adoption of the Flex FPV system by U.S. defense units could lead to increased procurement opportunities, particularly for counter-drone technologies, aligning with federal emphasis on addressing aerial threats.

The Royal Netherlands Navy has awarded a contract to Destinus for the development of **Hornet B2** interceptor drones. This initiative aims to bolster naval fleet defenses against low-cost, high-volume drone threats while integrating systems with existing naval platforms by **Q2 2027**.

NexTech Solutions has acquired BOOMSLANG Aerospace, enhancing their unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and counter-UAS capabilities. This consolidation is likely to create new procurement opportunities for the Department of Defense and reshape competitive dynamics in defense contracting, particularly in airspace security solutions.

On August 6, 2026, U.S. forces executed a joint counter-drone exercise at **Osan Air Base**, enhancing their capabilities against low-altitude threats. This development underscores an increasing procurement focus on layered, multi-service air defense systems, particularly integrated counter-UAS technologies, which could lead to significant contract opportunities for defense vendors.

The Joint Interagency Task Force 401 has awarded CACI a $500 million contract to deploy its SkyValor counter-unmanned aircraft system, enhancing U.S. security against drone threats. This investment emphasizes a significant focus on integrated non-kinetic defense solutions within the military sector, as drone technologies continue to proliferate.

The Department of Defense has awarded **Hidden Level** a **$100 million** Other Transaction Authority (OTA) contract to enhance counter-drone operations through advanced passive sensing technologies. This award underscores the DoD's commitment to innovative acquisition strategies, facilitating rapid deployment of critical defense technologies against unmanned aerial threats.

The U.S. Army's DEVCOM C5ISR Center is advancing its Counter-Unmanned Aerial System capabilities by soliciting sources for palletized FoCUS systems. Vendors are expected to demonstrate scalable manufacturing capabilities with rapid production timelines, indicating significant opportunities for companies in sensor integration and military technology.

Lockheed Martin has unveiled the **Morfius X-Rotor**, a reusable microwave system capable of neutralizing over **50 drones** simultaneously. This innovative technology aligns with the **Department of Defense**’s push for cost-effective solutions against aerial threats, presenting significant procurement opportunities for defense contractors.

Kratos Defense has been awarded a **$36 million** sole-source contract for the development of a new air-defense missile system. This contract highlights the government's strategic pivot towards enhancing defenses against the rising threat of low-cost drones and missiles, indicating significant procurement opportunities in the defense sector.

Palladyne AI's subsidiary, GuideTech, has received a $2.3 million contract to provide cutting-edge flight control systems for a defense prime contractor. This procurement emphasizes the increasing focus on cost-effective counter-drone solutions within the military sector and enhances GuideTech's market positioning for future opportunities.

U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) is testing CURTAIN CALL, an innovative drone interceptor system aimed at bolstering airspace security. This initiative may lead to new contract opportunities for companies specializing in counter-UAS technologies as AFRICOM seeks to improve its defense capabilities.

Lockheed Martin showcased its GRIZZLY containerized C-UAS by successfully intercepting a Group 3 drone at Yuma Proving Ground. The demonstration underscores the relevance of advanced missile and radar technologies amid increasing Department of Defense requirements for counter-drone capabilities, presenting potential procurement opportunities for contractors in defense solutions.

The U.S. Army has successfully deployed its VAMPIRE counter-UAS system during Exercise Balikatan 2026, showcasing innovations essential for layered air defense in the Indo-Pacific. This development highlights significant procurement opportunities for contractors engaged in advanced defense technologies, particularly in drone countermeasures and mobile air defense systems.

**U.S. Central Command** seeks innovative solutions to counter deeply buried threats amid the ongoing conflict with Iran. Defense contractors should prepare for upcoming opportunities in electronic warfare and counter-drone systems, aligning with the military’s strategic priorities.

In April 2026, the Joint Interagency Task Force 401 led a major counter-UAS testing at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling. This exercise highlighted the critical need for advanced technology and interagency cooperation in drone defense, suggesting significant procurement opportunities for contractors in defense technologies.