The Protection Innovation Unit (DIU), in collaboration with U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), Joint Interagency Job Power 401 (JIATF-401), and branches of the U.S. army, has named MatrixSpace Inc. the general winner of the Counter-small Unmanned Plane System (C-sUAS) Low-Price Sensing problem. The corporate will obtain $500,000 for its top-performing counter-UAS sensing answer. Guardian RF, Hidden Stage, Inc., and Teledyne FLIR Protection every acquired $100,000 awards as the following three performers.
The profitable techniques emerged from dwell testing at USNORTHCOM’s Falcon Peak 25.2 train, the place ten finalists outperformed 115 submissions. The chosen options had been evaluated on detection, classification, localization, scalability, value, and integration readiness capabilities.
Counter-UAS Sensing Applied sciences Demonstrated
In the course of the problem, finalists demonstrated various counter-UAS sensing modalities together with radio frequency passive detection, lively radar, acoustic sensing, optical and infrared techniques, and hybrid approaches. Distributors had been examined in opposition to small UAS platforms flown individually and in coordinated multiples utilizing numerous communication protocols. Testing circumstances remained operationally related and unscripted, with finalists unaware of which platforms or profiles they might encounter.
The evaluated counter-UAS sensing techniques confirmed potential value financial savings of fifty–80 % in complete value of possession whereas assembly key protection and efficiency necessities. This value discount permits deployment throughout fastened, cellular, and austere environments.
“Small UAS threats are evolving quicker than conventional acquisition cycles, and assembly that problem requires capabilities that may be deployed at velocity and scale,” stated David Payne, Performing Director of DIU’s Autonomy Portfolio. “The chosen options present how industrial innovation can strengthen our layered protection—delivering reasonably priced sensing that we are able to discipline extensively, adapt shortly, and hold the warfighter forward of the menace.”
Pathway to Operational Deployment
The profitable counter-UAS sensing options might be eligible for follow-on alternatives, together with Different Transaction agreements, to expedite transition into operational use. Brig. Gen. Matt Ross of JIATF-401 emphasised the urgency of deployment: “JIATF 401 has one measure of effectiveness: shortly ship state-of-the-art C-UAS functionality to the warfighter at residence and overseas.”
The LCS problem, launched in Might 2025, sought sensing options that would develop detection protection, cut back lifecycle prices, combine into joint command and management architectures, and supply resilience in opposition to small UAS threats. The problem attracted participation from conventional and nontraditional distributors nationwide.
Extra data on the DIU is on the market from their web site. Extra data on Matrixspace is on the market from their web site.
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Ian McNabb is a journalist specializing in drone expertise and life-style content material at Dronelife. He’s primarily based between Boston and NH and, when not writing, enjoys mountaineering and Boston space sports activities.
