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Latest articles and analysis on counter-UAS technology and drone warfare
Pentagon selects Shield AI to plug swarm software into LUCAS drone, company says | DefenseScoop
The Pentagon has selected Shield AI to integrate its Hivemind swarm software with the Low-Cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System (LUCAS), a drone modeled after Iranian designs. Hivemind will enable LUCAS drones to operate autonomously in swarms, requiring only a single operator for command. This development aims to address the cost imbalance between advanced U.S. countermeasures and inexpensive enemy drones.
EXCLUSIVE: Draganfly, F4DI Selected For Rapid Counter-Drone Defense System Development - Draganfly (NASDA - Benzinga
Draganfly Inc. and F4 Defense International (F4DI) have been awarded a development contract by the DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory to create an integrated Counter-UAS (C-UAS) platform. The system will leverage AI-enabled identification, tethered aerial surveillance, and both electronic and kinetic defeat mechanisms. The initial phase focuses on system integration, operational development, and field evaluations.
Draganfly and F4 Defense International (F4DI) Selected by the Department of War for Development of Integrated, Multi-Layered, Modular, and Rapid-Deployable Counter-UAS (C-UAS) System | Markets Insider
Draganfly and F4 Defense International (F4DI) have been awarded a development contract by the DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory to create a new, modular C-UAS platform. The system will integrate tethered aerial surveillance with AI-driven identification and both electronic/kinetic defeat mechanisms for rapid deployment. This initiative highlights the increasing urgency for effective counter-drone solutions by the Department of War.
Australian Startup Arkeus Raises $18 Million for AI-Powered Sensing Systems
Australian startup Arkeus secured $18 million in Series A funding to scale its AI-powered sensing technology for defense applications. Their Hyperspectral Optical Radar (HSOR) system utilizes onboard AI and hyperspectral sensing to significantly extend target detection ranges – reportedly up to 8x conventional optical systems. The technology is designed for autonomous platforms operating in contested environments.
Pentagon Hands Perennial Autonomy $500M for Counter-Drone Tech
The Pentagon has awarded Perennial Autonomy a $500 million IDIQ contract for counter-drone systems, signaling a shift towards lower-cost, swarm-based defense solutions. This represents a significant win for a non-incumbent vendor and a challenge to traditional defense primes. The contract focuses on interceptor drones designed to counter inexpensive drone swarms, specifically addressing lessons learned from Operation Epic Fury.
Draganfly wins Army counter-drone development deal | DPRO SEC Filing - Form 6-K
Draganfly Inc., in partnership with F4 Defense International, has been awarded an initial development contract by the DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory to create a modular, multi-layered counter-UAS system. The system will utilize tethered airborne surveillance, AI-powered identification, and both electronic and kinetic defeat mechanisms. The global Counter-UAS market is projected to exceed $20 billion by 2030.
Romanian F-16 Shoots Down Drone Over Estonia — A NATO First
Romanian F-16s, operating under NATO's Baltic Air Policing mission, shot down an unidentified drone over Estonian airspace on May 19, 2026 – a first for the Alliance. Investigation points to a Ukrainian long-range UAV that was likely diverted off course due to Russian electronic warfare jamming. Ukraine has apologized for the incident, while Russia has threatened retaliation against the Baltic states.
Shield AI Integrates Hivemind AI Into LUCAS One Way Attack Drone Program | TheDefenseWatch.com
Shield AI will integrate its Hivemind AI autonomy software into the LUCAS one-way attack drone program, enhancing its autonomous capabilities. This partnership focuses on enabling operation in GPS-denied and electronically contested environments. The move signals a growing trend towards AI-enabled, low-cost autonomous strike systems.
Daily Penny Alerts - Global Race for Counter-Drone Dominance Ignites Multi-Billion-Dollar Defense Market
The global counter-UAS (C-UAS) market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by increasing drone threats and evolving battlefield dynamics. Forecasts predict the C-UAS market will reach over $20 billion by 2030, with a strong emphasis on integrated systems utilizing AI and electronic warfare. North America currently leads the market, but Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific are significantly increasing procurement.
US Expands Counter-Drone Push With $500M Perennial Autonomy Contract
The US military has awarded Perennial Autonomy a $500M contract to bolster counter-UAS capabilities with AI-enabled interceptor drones. This contract utilizes a flexible task order structure, allowing for adaptation to evolving threats and operational needs. Concurrent with this, the DoD is actively integrating AI/ML into C-UAS operations to improve target identification and engagement.