The US Army announced tonight its selection of two drones—the Ghost X from Anduril Industries and the C-100 from Performance Drone Works—to advance its Company-Level Small Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) program.
The dual contracts will cover a 10-year ordering period, with an initial tranche valued at $14.5 million. While both UAS are commercially available and not originally designed for this specific military mission, the Army expects that future “operational requirements” may lead to design adaptations.
Gen. James Rainey, head of the Army Futures Command, emphasized the urgency of developing a Company-Level Small UAS capability, citing experiences from ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. “This requirement highlights the importance of viewing the UAS as a complete system, rather than merely an air vehicle,” he stated, underscoring the need for adaptability in military technology.
Both drones are categorized as “attritable” by the Army, meaning they can be utilized in high-risk missions and may be lost without significant impact. They are intended to support maneuver companies and can accommodate various payloads for missions encompassing reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.
Anduril introduced the Ghost X in 2023, featuring a dual-battery system capable of carrying a 20-pound payload, flying for up to 75 minutes, and reaching a range of 25 kilometers. On the other hand, Performance Drone Works’ C-100 is a man-packable quadcopter designed to transport up to 15 pounds for missions lasting up to 74 minutes.
Both platforms are included in the Defense Innovation Unit’s Blue UAS List, an initiative aimed at streamlining the selection of commercial systems that are free of Chinese components.
Doug Beck, Director of the Defense Innovation Unit, remarked, “The selection of approved platforms on DIU’s Blue UAS List showcases the value of engaging with the commercial market and providing the Department of Defense with ready-to-scale solutions efficiently.”
