The US Department of Defence has awarded a three-year, $500 million contract to Perennial Autonomy to scale counter-drone operations across the joint force.
The contract, awarded by Joint Interagency Task Force 401, covers a range of AI-enabled systems: the Merops interceptor, Bumblebee quadcopter and Hornet midrange strike drone. All three are currently deployed with forces operating in US Central Command.
The platforms integrate detection, tracking and engagement capabilities using computer vision, radio frequency sensing and jam-resistant communications. Autonomous targeting is included, though human authority over lethal force decisions is retained.
The agreement is structured as an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract — a format designed to allow rapid scaling in response to evolving threats across multiple domains.
“This partnership provides the joint force with state-of-the-art counter-UAS capability to remain lethal on today’s modern battlefield,” said Army Brigadier General Matt Ross, JIATF-401 director.