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
-
CH-47 Chinook: why the iconic helicopter design is still a heavy-lift contender (updated 2026)
From its emergence as a ground-breaking design in the 1950s to its widespread deployment in diverse operations worldwide, the Chinook continues to leave an indelible mark on the aviation landscape. Shephard sums up the helicopter’s latest developments.
-
US Air Force to increase JASSM anti-interference and accuracy capabilities
The USAF is conducting market research to inform the procurement process for a new GPS/GNSS M-code receiver for the JASSM.
-
UK vows to accelerate Lyra programme for Ukraine as defence industry eyes opportunities
Project Nightfall and Project Octopus both fall under the Lyra programme, with UK industry working to develop and deliver additional missiles and drones to help bolster Ukraine’s warfighting capabilities against Russia.
-
How detection-led C-UAS solutions are transforming drone defense
Modern C-UAS solutions must detect threats early, integrate layered sensors, and deliver fast, scalable, adaptable defense against evolving drones.
-
US approves $16.5 billion in ‘emergency’ sales for air defence equipment for Middle East allies
The United Arab Emirates has taken the lion’s share of this round, with the US supporting its F-16 fleet and signing off on possible sales for more AMRAAM AIM-120 missiles and a counter-drone system.