US Pentagon pushes procurement of dismounted counter-UAS capabilities

The Pentagon and U.S. military services are accelerating purchases of counter-drone equipment for troops operating on foot, following multiple contract awards and market-research efforts during 2026. Requirements emphasise lighter equipment, automated targeting and links to tactical networks so mobile units can detect and respond to unmanned aircraft without adding excessive operator workload. Software licensing is also becoming a procurement priority, alongside efforts to lower the cost of each engagement. The initiatives use streamlined acquisition mechanisms and shorter delivery periods to obtain portable, increasingly autonomous capabilities, reflecting specific purchasing preferences rather than a single announced fleet-wide system selection.