Pentagon Supports AI Counter-Drone Startup Through $500 Million Agreement

U.S. Defense Department Awards $500 Million Contract for Drone Technology

By DRONELIFE Features Editor Jim Magill

The Pentagon has announced plans to acquire up to $500 million in drone and counter-unmanned aerial systems (UAS) technology from Perennial Autonomy, a California-based defense technology startup. The company’s products have been tested in Ukraine and utilized by U.S. forces in various operations.

The Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF 401), which focuses on counter-UAS systems for U.S. forces, has awarded a three-year Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity contract to Perennial Autonomy. The contract, with a ceiling of $500 million, aims to deploy the company’s drone-to-drone counter-UAS technology across various military operations.

Details of the Contract

The contract will enable the deployment of a range of artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled counter-UAS systems, including:

• Merops interceptors
• Bumblebee quadcopters
• Hornet midrange strike drones

These systems are currently in use by U.S. forces in Central Command. Army Brigadier General Matt Ross, director of JIATF 401, emphasized the importance of this partnership in enhancing the military’s counter-drone capabilities.

Technological Advancements

Merops System Specifications

The Merops system includes radar and electro-optical sensors, controller gear, and a drone launcher. It is compact enough to fit in the bed of a pickup truck. The system can detect and locate incoming drones, providing targeting data to the interceptor or other friendly systems.

Merops launches a three-foot long, fixed-wing interceptor drone called Surveyor, which can reach speeds of up to 175 mph and has an operational range of approximately 3 to 12 miles.

Bumblebee Drone’s Role in Ukraine

The Bumblebee drone has been utilized effectively in the Ukraine conflict, with tens of thousands delivered to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. It features an electric multi-propeller system, capable of flying at speeds up to 220 mph and altitudes of around 16,000 feet. Its AI-driven target recognition capabilities enhance its effectiveness against various targets.

Hornet Midrange Strike Drones

The Hornet drone has proven effective for striking enemy assets from a distance, with a range exceeding 60 miles. Initially developed for Ukrainian forces, it has garnered attention from U.S. military planners and has been successfully deployed in exercises in Lithuania and Poland.

Company Background and Growth

Founded by former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, Perennial Autonomy has rapidly gained traction in the defense sector. The company evolved from earlier defense technology startups initiated by Schmidt, focusing on low-cost, AI-enabled loitering munitions.

Since its inception, Perennial has secured contracts and deployed its systems in various military contexts, including the purchase of 13,000 Merops drones by the U.S. Army for use in the Middle East. NATO member nations, including Lithuania, have also adopted Perennial’s technology, further solidifying its presence in the defense market.