U.S. Army selects Anduril and Performance Drone Works to provide small drones for brigade combat teams
The U.S. Army has chosen Anduril Industries and Performance Drone Works to supply Small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (SUAS) to its units, part of an initiative to quickly integrate advanced technology into the hands of soldiers. This move comes as the Army rapidly modernizes its forces, pivoting away from traditional, lengthy development cycles.
Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George described this effort as “transformation in contact,” which focuses on acquiring commercially available technology and testing it with soldiers on the battlefield. This approach is a stark departure from the Army's previous decades-long development processes that often resulted in outdated equipment by the time it was fielded.
“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,” Gen. George said in a statement. The SUAS acquisition program exemplifies this strategy, showcasing the Army's commitment to fast adaptation.
Doug Bush, the Army’s acquisition chief, echoed this sentiment: “This program is another example of the Army’s ability to rapidly move from an idea to a requirement, to a competition, to testing, to contract awards for production. It demonstrates that the acquisition system can move at the pace needed to support the Army, particularly in rapidly evolving technological areas like small uncrewed aircraft systems.”
Anduril Industries and Performance Drone Works have been tasked with providing the first tranche of systems for the SUAS requirement. This deal, valued at $14.42 million, was approved by the Army in June 2023. The selection includes Performance Drone Works' C-100 UAS and Anduril's Ghost X, both of which are designed to be reconfigurable with modular payloads and disposable when necessary. These drones will enable brigade maneuver companies to conduct reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition missions effectively.
Notably, Anduril's Ghost X drone was recently used during a human-machine integration evaluation event at Fort Irwin, California. There, it acted as the "eyes" of an infantry company hidden in the surrounding mountains, ready to reclaim a village held by enemy forces during a live-fire exercise. The successful demonstration underscored the capabilities of the Ghost X in real-world scenarios.
The Army's focus on small, adaptable, and expendable drones stems from lessons learned from current conflicts, including the war in Ukraine. The agility of these drones makes them invaluable on modern battlefields, where quick adaptability and reconnaissance are crucial.
The service's rapid selection of these drones was made possible because both platforms were already on the Defense Innovation Unit’s Blue UAS list, a compilation of technology pre-approved for Department of Defense use. This existing approval facilitated the swift move from concept to contract, aligning with the Army's goal of expediting the integration of cutting-edge technology into its operations.
In summary, this decision marks a significant step in the Army’s modernization efforts, focusing on speed, adaptability, and real-time battlefield innovation. The partnership with Anduril Industries and Performance Drone Works represents a strategic shift in how the Army acquires and implements technology, ensuring that soldiers have access to the latest advancements when they need them most.
