US Air Force is eyeing cost-effective automated counter-drone solutions
A Skydio X2D is flown down the flight line at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. (Photo: US Air Force)
The USAF is seeking on-the-move systems, subsystems or technologies capable of defending airbases and fixed and semi-fixed sites against small drone attacks.
The US Air Force (USAF) is turning to industry to address capability gaps in its counter-uncrewed aerial system (CUAS) inventory and enhance protection for airbases, forward operating sites and critical infrastructure against small, low-cost, low-signature drones.
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) last week issued a request for information (RfI), due on 7 April, to identify automated counter-drone expeditionary solutions (ACES). The branch is pursuing integrated systems, subsystems or technologies that can be deployed rapidly and affordably to protect fixed and semi-fixed sites.
The AFRL notice highlighted “a critical need” for a “robust, 24/7 point-defence against individual and swarming Group 1
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![E-3 Sentry encryption equipment no longer meets US security requirements, says USAF]()
E-3 Sentry encryption equipment no longer meets US security requirements, says USAF
The US Air Force says the Sentry fleet’s DAR-400 encryptor can no longer keep pace with changing security requirements and warns that a failure could affect US operations and data security.
-
![Spain air focus: Mature UAV market rewards early supplier engagement]()
Spain air focus: Mature UAV market rewards early supplier engagement
Spain accounts for 5% of European military UAV spending, broadly in line with its share of the continent’s wider defence market. What sets the country apart, however, is how much of that spending has already been committed, reflecting Spain's earlier adoption of the capability.
-
![New US Army UH-60M Black Hawk order bridges uncertain path to MV-75 transition]()
New US Army UH-60M Black Hawk order bridges uncertain path to MV-75 transition
The US$234 million award for 16 Sikorsky UH-60Ms preserves near-term production, but funding uncertainty and an undefinitised contract leave the US Army’s long-term Black Hawk requirements unresolved.
-
![Rafale AI trials highlight shift towards operational fighter testbeds]()
Rafale AI trials highlight shift towards operational fighter testbeds
Dassault’s latest Rafale trials join Gripen E and F-16 testing as developers explore how artificial intelligence could support and control combat aircraft.
-
![V-22 Osprey safety upgrade moves towards wider fleet installation under $35.5 million deal]()
V-22 Osprey safety upgrade moves towards wider fleet installation under $35.5 million deal
Bell Boeing will supply 73 additional ODSSHI kits as NAVAIR prepares to introduce predictive drive-system monitoring across US and Japanese V-22 fleets.
-
![AFA 2026: US Air Force examines uncrewed cargo aircraft for contested logistics]()
AFA 2026: US Air Force examines uncrewed cargo aircraft for contested logistics
The US Air Force is evaluating demonstrators for uncrewed cargo missions as it considers logistics requirements across the Pacific and other contested environments.
