Counter-UAS: Leonardo DRS wins framework contract with a ceiling of 500 million US dollars

A framework contract with a ceiling of 500 million US dollars (446 million euros) is intended to speed up procurement and availability: it has been awarded by Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF-401) to the US company Leonardo DRS. The focus is on mobile radar systems for counter-UAS and force protection.

With a term of three years, the contract is intended to make proven counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) technologies available more quickly. For Leonardo DRS, it opens up the opportunity to bid for future individual orders. The deliverables are integrated sensor solutions, above all for monitoring low-altitude airspace and protecting deployed troops.

It should be noted that the 500 million US dollars represent the maximum ceiling of the contract, not an already guaranteed order volume.

Radars for mobile counter-drone defence

Through its RADA Technologies business unit, Leonardo DRS offers a broad range of military radar systems. They are used, for example, in counter-drone defence, in detecting threats from rockets, artillery and mortars, and in short-range ground-based air defence.

The task of the systems is to detect and track threats at an early stage and to provide the relevant situational information. The focus is on mobile solutions that can be relocated quickly and brought into operation rapidly, even under operational conditions.

John Baylouny, President and CEO of Leonardo DRS, says:

“Today's threat environment is changing faster than ever before. Our customers need proven capabilities delivered at operational speed”— John Baylouny, President and CEO of Leonardo DRS

Individual orders instead of lengthy procedures

With the framework contract, JIATF-401 aims to ensure that already proven C-UAS technologies reach the forces faster. Lengthy procurement procedures are to be avoided; instead, specific capabilities can be provided through individual orders as required.

Max Cohen, who heads the RADA Technologies business unit at Leonardo DRS, points to the operational experience of the company's systems:

“Our counter-drone and air defence radar systems have proven their capability in detecting and tracking threats and in protecting forces under operational conditions.”— Max Cohen, Head of the RADA Technologies business unit at Leonardo DRS

By its own assessment, Leonardo DRS can thus deliver radar solutions that are ready for use at short notice. Whether delivery orders actually follow, and on what scale, will be decided over the course of the three-year contract term.