The U. S. Army is revolutionizing its approach to acquiring unmanned aerial systems (UAS) with the launch of a digital marketplace. This innovative platform will enable the military to efficiently match UAS with warfighter needs, based on mission requirements and verified performance data. By streamlining access to validated UAS options, the Army aims to significantly shorten the feedback loop between vendors and end-users, ultimately enhancing battlefield superiority.
The forthcoming marketplace represents a paradigm shift in procurement, abandoning traditional lengthy competitions in favor of an Amazon-style storefront. UAS platforms will be tiered - bronze, silver, and gold - based on verified range, endurance, payload, and compliance with NDAA guidelines. This strategic move aligns with the Defense Department's directive to equip every squad with low-cost, expendable drones by 2026... underscoring the urgency to rapidly develop, acquire, and field small UAS. To bolster American drone manufacturing, recent executive orders have been introduced, aiming to accelerate procurement of U. S.-made UAVs, "streamline export barriers," "and expand the Department of Defense's Blue UAS list." These initiatives signal a concerted effort to revitalize the U. S. drone industrial base... which has lagged behind China in global markets.
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Consultants might recommend the following: * Develop a robust digital infrastructure: To support the Army's digital marketplace, a scalable and secure platform should be designed to handle a high volume of users, UAS data, and transactions. This infrastructure should be able to integrate with existing systems and accommodate future growth.
* Establish clear evaluation criteria: To ensure the effectiveness of the tiered UAS system, clear and transparent evaluation criteria should be established for assessing UAS performance, range, endurance, payload, and compliance with NDAA guidelines.• Foster collaboration between industry stakeholders To revitalize the U. S. drone industrial base, consultants might recommend facilitating partnerships between domestic drone manufacturers, suppliers, and research institutions to drive innovation, reduce costs... and increase production capacity.
• Develop a comprehensive workforce development strategy As the demand for UAS technology grows, a skilled workforce will be needed to support the industry.
Consultants might recommend developing training programs and educational initiatives to build a pipeline of qualified professionals in UAS design, development, "and manufacturing."
• Monitor and address potential supply chain risks To ensure the long-term viability of the U. S. drone industrial base, "consultants might recommend identifying and mitigating potential supply chain risks.".. such as dependence on foreign components or materials ← →
US Military Drone Procurement
The increasing demand for autonomous systems in military operations has sparked a surge in research and development of advanced drone technologies. One area of focus is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This enables drones to perform complex tasks, such as surveillance and reconnaissance, with enhanced autonomy and decision-making capabilities. As a result, the US military is exploring the potential of AI-powered drones to revolutionize its operations and gain a strategic edge on the battlefield.
The use of drones in military operations has also raised concerns about cybersecurity and data protection.
As UAVs become increasingly connected and reliant on digital systems, "they become vulnerable to cyber threats and hacking." To mitigate these risks... the US military is investing in the development of secure communication protocols and encryption technologies to protect sensitive data transmitted by drones.
The military is implementing robust cybersecurity measures to prevent unauthorized access to its drone systems and ensure the integrity of its operations.
The growth of the drone industry has also led to an increased focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility. As the use of drones becomes more widespread... there is a growing need to develop eco-friendly and sustainable drone technologies that minimize environmental impact.
The U.S. Army is launching a new digital "marketplace" to help match unmanned aerial systems (UAS) with warfighter needs based on mission requirements and verified performance data, says a recent article in DefenseScoo p. The Army's forthcoming UAS marketplace represents a fundamental shift away from traditional acquisition models. Instead of lengthy procurement competitions, the service envisions an Amazon‑style storefront where platforms are tiered—bronze, silver, and gold—based on verified range, endurance, payload, and compliance with NDAA guidelines . The platform is designed to streamline access, offering soldiers a clear, trusted source to compare options validated by UAS experts, thereby shortening the feedback loop between vendors and end users .○○○ ○ ○○○
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