In a move reflecting the U.S. Army’s commitment to rapid modernization, Anduril Industries and Performance Drone Works have been selected to provide Small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (SUAS) to Army units. This initiative is part of a broader effort to accelerate the acquisition and deployment of commercially available technologies, enabling soldiers to leverage cutting-edge capabilities in the field.
“Transformation in Contact”: A New Approach to Modernization
The Army’s strategy, dubbed “transformation in contact,” is spearheaded by Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George. This approach emphasizes acquiring off-the-shelf technologies that can be rapidly tested and integrated into operations, bypassing the lengthy traditional development cycles that often result in outdated equipment reaching the battlefield.
“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,” stated General George. “The Company Level Small UAS Directed Requirement effort is a great example of how we are achieving this.”
Accelerated Acquisition: From Concept to Contract in Record Time
The selection of Anduril and Performance Drone Works highlights the Army’s commitment to streamlining its acquisition process. The requirement for a company-level SUAS was only approved in June 2023, demonstrating the speed at which the service is moving to fulfill critical capability gaps.
Doug Bush, the Army’s acquisition chief, emphasized the significance of this rapid acquisition: “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. This shows the acquisition system can move at the pace needed to support the Army, especially in rapidly emerging technology areas like small uncrewed aircraft systems.”
The initial contract awarded to Anduril and Performance Drone Works is valued at $14.42 million and will provide the first tranche of SUAS platforms to meet the Army’s immediate needs. This initial deployment will allow soldiers to gain valuable experience with the new systems, providing feedback that can further inform future development and procurement decisions.
Impact on the Battlefield: Enhancing Situational Awareness and Lethality
The deployment of company-level SUAS is expected to significantly enhance the capabilities of Army units. These small, portable drones provide soldiers with a powerful reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition tool.
By providing real-time aerial imagery and data, SUAS empowers soldiers with enhanced situational awareness, allowing them to make more informed decisions in the field. This improved understanding of the battlefield can be crucial in a wide range of missions, from counterinsurgency operations to large-scale combat scenarios.
Furthermore, SUAS can increase lethality by providing accurate targeting information for direct and indirect fire. This capability is particularly valuable in complex urban environments and other challenging operational contexts.
Looking Ahead: The Future of SUAS in the Army
The Army’s commitment to rapid acquisition and deployment of SUAS signals a broader trend within the military towards embracing unmanned systems. As technology advances, drones are expected to play an increasingly important role in a wide range of military operations.
The “transformation in contact” approach ensures that the Army remains at the forefront of this technological revolution, equipping its soldiers with the necessary tools to maintain a decisive advantage on the future battlefield. The lessons learned from the initial deployment of these SUAS platforms will undoubtedly inform future requirements and acquisition strategies, driving further innovation in this critical area.
The partnership between the Army and innovative companies like Anduril and Performance Drone Works signifies a new era of collaboration in defense technology. By leveraging the agility and expertise of the private sector, the Army is accelerating its modernization efforts and ensuring its soldiers are equipped to face the challenges of the 21st century.
