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US Drone Dominance Program Orders 6,000 XTEND STRIKER Drones for Indoor Combat
The United States Drone Dominance initiative placed a $40.5 million order for 6,000 XTEND STRIKER expendable unmanned aircraft intended for close-quarters combat. The small drones are designed for confined spaces, including building interiors, where conventional aircraft navigation and satellite positioning may be unreliable or unavailable. XTEND's operating software combines onboard autonomous functions with human-directed mission control, and the company has demonstrated the design during military evaluations. The procurement represents an acquisition of tactical attack drones rather than merely a concept demonstration; the announced order does not itself establish when all 6,000 systems will reach operational units.