Pentagon’s Gauntlet Program: A New Era in Drone Warfare
The Pentagon is taking significant steps towards revolutionizing modern warfare through its ambitious drone program, Gauntlet. Recently, over two dozen companies have been selected to design and test small one-way attack drone prototypes, with the evaluation set to begin later this month at Fort Benning, Georgia. This program is part of a broader initiative to establish drone dominance, reflecting the military’s commitment to incorporating innovative technologies into its operational framework.
The Evaluation Process
The Gauntlet evaluations will commence on February 18 and extend into early March. Military personnel will operate the drone designs, rigorously testing them to gather valuable insights that will inform future purchasing decisions. Following this evaluation, the Department of Defense (DoD) plans to order approximately $150 million in prototype deliveries over the next five months. The emphasis on timely procurement aims to enhance the U.S. military’s capabilities swiftly and efficiently.
Aiming for Mass Production by 2027
The long-term vision of the Pentagon is clear: by 2027, they aim to deploy hundreds of thousands of low-cost one-way attack drones. These systems, which have already demonstrated their effectiveness in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, are increasingly seen as a crucial component of modern military strategy. Low-cost drones offer an attractive alternative to traditional high-end munitions, allowing for greater operational flexibility and scalable responses to emerging threats.
A Diverse Pool of Innovators
The list of companies participating in the Gauntlet program includes an array of start-ups and established firms. Notable entries include Performance Drone Works LLC, a spinoff of the Drone Racing League, and Kratos SRE Inc., a subsidiary of Kratos Defense. This diverse pool reflects the Pentagon’s commitment to leveraging innovative solutions from a wide range of professionals in the drone design industry.
Ukrainian Contributions
Particularly noteworthy are the two Ukrainian companies competing in the Gauntlet evaluations: Ukrainian Defense Drone Tech Corp and General Cherry Corp. Both firms bring essential expertise in developing first-person view one-way attack drones tailored to the operational needs of the Ukrainian military. Their participation underscores the growing recognition of Ukrainian engineering prowess and its potential contributions to global defense initiatives.
General Cherry Corp, established in Zaporizhzhia amidst the conflict with Russia, has a proven track record. The company reports that its drones are used across 40 different brigades, with designs continually improved based on soldier feedback. Last year, General Cherry unveiled their AIR Pro interceptor drone, which boasts impressive capabilities, such as a top speed of around 125 miles per hour, designed specifically to counter enemy reconnaissance and attack drones.
The Challenge of Unfamiliar Territory
While General Cherry is well-documented, details surrounding Ukrainian Defense Drone Tech Corp remain elusive. Local media sources identify it as a Ukrainian manufacturer, but specific information is scarce, illustrating the challenges foreign companies often navigate when entering competitive international defense markets.
A Strategic Shift in Military Procurement
The Pentagon’s push for low-cost attack drones aligns with broader strategic objectives. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that these drones are not merely an enhancement to existing capabilities but a necessary evolution in warfare. “Drones are the biggest battlefield innovation in a generation,” he remarked, noting the significant role they play in shaping modern combat scenarios.
Additionally, early planning indicates that the DoD intends to invest roughly $1.1 billion across four phases of the program, ensuring a consistent demand signal to the U.S. defense industry.
Swift and Scalable Solutions
Hegseth’s directive is clear: the focus is on acquiring what works rapidly and at scale, circumventing traditional bureaucratic hurdles. This approach not only allows for swift adaptations to battlefields that are constantly evolving but also reflects a broader understanding of the critical role drones will play in future military operations.
Participants in the Gauntlet Program
The full roster of defense companies involved in the Gauntlet competition includes:
- Anno.ai Inc.
- Ascent Aerosystems Inc.
- Auterion Government Solutions Inc.
- Dzyne Technologies LLC.
- Ewing Aerospace LLC.
- Farage Precision LLC.
- Firestorm Labs Inc.
- General Cherry Corp.
- Greensight Inc.
- Griffon Aerospace Inc.
- Halo Aeronautics LLC.
- Kratos SRE Inc.
- ModalAI Inc.
- Napatree Technology LLC.
- Neros Inc.
- Nokturnal AI.
- Paladin Defense Services LLC.
- Performance Drone Works LLC.
- Responsibly Ltd.
- Swarm Defense Technologies LLC.
- Teal Drones Inc.
- Ukrainian Defense Drones Tech Corp.
- Vector Defense Inc.
- W.S. Darley & Co.
- Xtend Reality Inc.
This comprehensive array of innovators is tasked with the critical challenge of fulfilling the Pentagon’s vision for drone dominance, revealing the competitive landscape of modern military technology development.