US advances drone warfare, new interceptors, low-cost weapons to tackle aerial threat

The U.S. military awarded Perennial Autonomy a three-year, $500 million contract to expand counter-drone capabilities.

Joint Interagency Task Force 401 will field operationally proven counter-UAS systems, including Merops, Bumblebee, and Hornet.

The platforms use computer vision, RF sensing, and autonomous targeting to improve layered air defense against small drones.

The deal is meant to speed deployment of affordable drone defenses while keeping humans in control of lethal decisions.