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2w ago

Pentagon Centralizes Counter-Drone Push as Production Contracts and Unmanned Milestones Stack Up

The actions underscore a pivot from prototypes to rapid fielding.

CoAspire's RAACM on Display in April 2025 at the Sea Air Space Symposium in Washington, D.C. Photo: CoAspire
The MQ-25 Stingray test asset, T-1, conducts deck handling maneuvers on Dec. 12, 2021 while underway aboard USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77), the first testing of the MQ-25 model at sea. (Photo: U.S. Navy)
Epirus' trailer-mounted Leonidas high-power microwave counter-drone system. Photo: Epirus
Oshkosk Corp.'s ROGUE Fires platform in production for the Marine Corps. Forterra provides a self-driving solution for the system. Photo: U.S. Defense Department

Overview

  • DoD is standing up Army-led JIATF 401 to consolidate counter‑UAS oversight and delivery under a task force that reports to the deputy defense secretary.
  • The Army awarded a $1.7 billion LTAMDS low‑rate production modification to RTX, and the Navy issued a $1.74 billion vehicle for up to 55,000 APKWS II rounds from BAE Systems.
  • The State Department cleared an $825 million foreign military sale to supply Ukraine with long‑range missiles from Zone 5 Technologies and CoAspire, financed by Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway and U.S. Foreign Military Financing.
  • A DIU official said the Replicator 1 supplier has delivered hundreds of AeroVironment Switchblade loitering munitions to a customer that has already fielded the systems.
  • Navy leadership affirmed the MQ‑25 will fly in 2025 with carrier integration in 2026, and Boeing said the MQ‑28 Ghost Bat is planned to attempt an air‑to‑air missile shot later this year.