Inspired by Ukraine’s success with drone technology, the US Army has opted to integrate commercially available drone models to enhance military operations.
At a Glance
- The U.S. Army selected Anduril Industries and Performance Drone Works for their Small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (SUAS).
- The initiative modernizes the force with commercial-off-the-shelf technology.
- The program aims to quickly adapt Army formations and integrate new technology.
- The first tranche of the contract is valued at $14.42 million, approved in June 2023.
US Army Adopts Commercial Drone Models for Enhanced Military Operations
Inspired by the effective use of drone technology in Ukraine, the U.S. Army is incorporating commercially available drone models to advance its military operations. The Army aims to optimize reconnaissance, surveillance, and tactical support through partnerships with Anduril Industries and Performance Drone Works.
The effort forms part of a broader initiative to modernize the force using commercial-off-the-shelf technology. This strategic move focuses on rapidly integrating advanced, commercially available unmanned systems to boost operational efficiency, reduce costs, and implement immediate improvements on the battlefield.
Gen. Randy George, U.S. Army Chief of Staff, commented, “Transforming in contact is the way our Army can adapt its formations and get new technology in the hands of soldiers to experiment, innovate, learn, and change at the pace required.” This initiative showcases how the Army is achieving this real-time integration of technology on the field.
US Army announces selection of two firms to develop small drone for company-level intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance missionshttps://t.co/SsGrjixAkW
— The Defense Post (@DefensePost) September 12, 2024
Tactical and Strategic Implications
The selected models, Anduril’s Ghost X and Performance Drone Works’ C-100 UAS, will be deployed for reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition missions. These drones are designed to be reconfigurable with modular payloads, offering flexibility while being expendable.
The Ghost X drone, rigorously tested in live-fire exercises, and the C-100 UAS will be crucial for tactical maneuvers and battlefield awareness. This adaptability aims to meet evolving combat and reconnaissance requirements.
Adaptive and Modern Warfare Readiness
The U.S. Army, by closely studying drone use in Ukraine, has strategically aligned its focus on acquiring small, rapidly deployable, and adaptable unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The small UAVs have proved effective in modern warfare scenarios such as Ukraine, influencing a new tactical standard akin to the impact of artillery and machine guns in past conflicts.
Gen. James Rainey of Army Futures Command emphasized this priority based on observations from conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, underscoring the need for systems that are adaptable and can integrate seamlessly into existing military operations.
The selection process, expedited by the platforms being on the Defense Innovation Unit’s Blue UAS list, was completed in less than five months. This rapid evaluation and selection highlight the Army’s capability to swiftly adapt and incorporate cutting-edge technology into its defense operations.
The rapid integration of commercial drone technology underlines the U.S. Army’s commitment to maintaining tactical superiority through innovation. This initiative, showcasing collaboration with industry leaders like Anduril Industries and Performance Drone Works, is poised to significantly enhance battlefield awareness and operational efficiency.
Gen. Randy George’s sentiment epitomizes this groundbreaking move: “The Company Level Small UAS Directed Requirement effort is a great example of how we are achieving this.” This strategic incorporation of commercial-off-the-shelf technology sets a precedent for future modernization efforts in maintaining national security and readiness.
