The United States Air Force (USAF) has published two requests for information (RFI) on the US government procurement portal, SAM.gov, that relate to counter-small uncrewed aerial systems (C-sUAS).
The first notes that the Point Defense Battle Lab (PDBL) is seeking information from industry to improve USAF understanding of market capabilities and identify qualified vendors to collaborate with who are capable of providing C-sUAS that are easy to use, rapidly deployable and can operate in extreme weather. Systems should be capable of being transported via palletised cargo and able to be set up with a small team of four personnel or fewer, within two hours.
The technology must consistently detect and track all Group 1 UAS types at ranges of 2 km or greater; increased range and track accuracy is preferred. Autonomous classification of detected tracksis required as is effective discrimination of biological clutter, ground clutter and false tracks to maintain a clean air picture. Other capabilities include simultaneous detection and tracking of multiple UAS threats and the ability to function in GNSS denied or degraded environments. Additional characteristics, such as the capability to detect, track and classify Group 2 and Group 3 UAS, are also desired.
The second RFI, also for PDBL, specifies kinetic (or hard-kill) C-UAS systems such as Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) mid-range precision vehicle and container launchers; large calibre 30mm gun-based airburst/proximity close-in sustained fire; small calibre automated weapon stations with C-UAS fire control; drone on drone autonomous kinetic interceptors with AI-guided to terminal that can be 3-D printed to full size; high-energy laser with a 2-20kW power range and precision engagement; and high-power microwave with a GaN solid-state and an effective area engagement that is swarm-capable and weather resistant.
Responses to both RFIs are required by 31 July.
For more information
US Air Force RFI for C-sUAS and SUAS technologies
US Air Force RFI for kinetic C-sUAS
Image: Senior Airman Reilly Stredde, 319th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Point Defense Battle Lab small unmanned aerial system operator, flies a drone during an operational demonstration as part of a Point Defense Battle Lab ribbon cutting ceremony at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota, April 9, 2026. The operational demonstration offered an example of how the PDBL is exercising commercial counter small unmanned aerial system technology. (US Air Force photo by Senior Airman Trevor Gordnier)
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