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
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