Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF-401) has awarded a three-year Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with a $500 million ceiling to support enterprisewide counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) operations.
The agreement accelerates the Department of War’s capacity to deploy and scale low-cost, attritable air-to-air drone interceptors to protect warfighters and power projection platforms at home and abroad. The contract was awarded to Perennial Autonomy for a range of artificial intelligence-enabled counter-UAS systems, including Merops interceptors, Bumblebee quadcopters, and Hornet midrange strike drones — platforms currently being employed by forces operating in U.S. Central Command.
These systems integrate detection, tracking, and engagement capabilities using computer vision, radio frequency sensing, jam-resistant communications, and autonomous targeting, while retaining warfighter decision-making authority over the use of lethal force. The platforms are a key component of a layered defense against adversary drones, providing commanders with multiple options to respond quickly to threats.
Army Brigadier General Matt Ross, JIATF-401 Director, stated:
“The task force continues to advance our counter-drone capabilities by fielding systems that can operate across multiple domains and integrate with existing command and control architectures. This partnership provides the joint force with state-of-the-art counter-UAS capability to remain lethal on today’s modern battlefield.”
The contract accelerates the acquisition of operationally proven systems and ensures that top-tier technologies can be rapidly scaled and sustained in response to evolving threats. By leveraging a flexible, enterprisewide contracting approach, the task force continues to synchronize counter-UAS capabilities across the joint force so warfighters can protect themselves and critical infrastructure from adversary drones.
