US Army Seeks Components for Compact Counter-Drone Interceptors

The US Army has issued a request for information (RFI) asking industry for small‑form‑factor components that could help build compact interceptor missiles aimed at countering swarming small drones.

Recent conflicts have shown that swarms of small drones can easily overwhelm traditional air defenses, so the US Army’s DEVCOM Aviation & Missile Center is studying lightweight counter-drone missiles between 40mm and 70mm in size.

Among the components sought are seekers, batteries, navigation units, control actuation systems, and mission computers. All are required to meet minimum Technology Readiness Level 5 and rapid production readiness.

In its solicitation notice, the army emphasized that responses are treated purely as informational and no contract will be awarded from this RFI alone.

“The primary objective of this RFI is to provide the [government] with a comprehensive database of readily available component technologies that may be leveraged in support of a future C-sUAS Interceptor program,” the solicitation read. 

Ongoing US Counter‑Drone Interceptor Programs

Efforts to counter drones include current systems such as the Mobile‑Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aircraft Integrated Defeat System, already operational. 

These combine sensors, radar, electronic warfare tools, and kinetic interceptors like the Coyote interceptor to defend against low‑flying, slow-moving unmanned threats.

In addition, the army is revisiting larger air‑defense projects with renewed interest. For example, its Lower‑Tier Future Interceptor, part of the long-range Patriot-family upgrade path, may be revived to offer mobile, ground-based interception capabilities. 

This underscores the broadening scope of US aerial defense beyond traditional missiles to include layered, multi‑tier air defense tailored to new threats.