US Army increases scope of Soldier Borne Sensor programme to acquire Black Hornet 3 UAS, budget documents reveal
The Black Hornet Airborne Personal Reconnaissance System (RPS) has been designed to be used by dismounted soldiers (Photo: Teledyne FLIR)
On 13 April, the US DoD announced it had awarded FLIR Unmanned Aerial Systems a $93.89 million firm-fixed-price contract for the Black Hornet 3 nano-drone, spare parts and ancillary services. The contract has an estimated completion date of 11 April 2028.
This is the sixth known US Army award for the system, contracts which, to date, total $186.09 million.
Known Contract number | Value | Date |
---|---|---|
First | $2.6 million | May 2018 |
Second | $39.6 million | January 2019 |
Third | $20.6 million | May 2020 |
Fourth | $15.4 million | May 2021 |
Fifth | $14 million | May 2022 |
Sixth | $93.89 million | April 2023 |
The funds have been allocated as part of
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
India revives Netra Mk-II AWACS after Airbus cost dispute
India has cleared higher retrofit costs for six ageing Airbus A321s to be converted into Netra Mk-II airborne surveillance platforms, marking progress in a long-delayed AWACS programme but raising questions over lifespan and operational value.
-
Lockheed nets $43 million US Army contract for Black Hawk modernisation
The initial funds will focus on the foundational capabilities to modernise the attack helicopter, including digital architecture that will allow for launched effects and UAS integration.
-
New Zealand to procure MH-60R and A321XLR aircraft as plan to “rebuild” the NZDF begins
The MH-60R Seahawk and A321XLR aircraft are the first procurement announcements designed to help delivery of a more combat capable and interoperable fleet to the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), as outlined in the New Zealand government’s April Defence Capability Plan.
-
USAF to use augmented reality technology in F-16 cockpit
The US Air Force awarded Red6 a contract to install its ATARS software into the aircraft to provide new training solutions, following successful integrations in the T-38 Talon and MC-130.
-
Nuclear “Manhattan Project-type endeavour” plausible for AI advancement, says UK Chief of Defence Staff
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin also urged caution over a “drone-tastic” way of thinking when it comes to their use alongside traditional air and underwater domain platforms.
-
Teal Drones delivers first Black Widows as parent company reports six-month loss
In July 2025 Teal Drones was awarded Tranche 2 of the US Army’s Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) programme for a small uncrewed aerial system (sUAS).