The United States Marine Corps has issued a Request for Information (RFI) from industry to help forces counter the threat from small drones.
Issued on July 15, the RFI pertains to dismounted counter-uncrewed aircraft systems (C-UAS) technology “to support ‘every’ Marines’ ability to conduct self-defence against threat Groups 1 and 2 small UAS (sUAS)”. Recent exercises and intelligence have shown that troops are vulnerable to UAS and require the ability to defend themselves from the threat.
The Marine Corps says it has an “emerging urgent requirement” for lightweight, easy to use and easy to train systems that can detect, track, identify and defeat small drones. The RFI calls for both squad-level and platoon-level C-UAS. Squad-level solutions need to be carried by dismounted Marines with little to no impact on their primary mission. They would use a passive detection system that can detect UAS using acoustic or radio frequency (RF) detection. Sensors should be body worn and components may include a handheld tablet, bracelet, earpiece, and/or glasses that receive alerts, warnings, or notifications from an external sensor such as a radar.
Also sought are Platoon-level solutions which may be transported in light tactical vehicles, assembled without the use of material handling equipment and operate on battery power.
To defeat enemy sUAS, non-kinetic squad-level solutions would feature a directional RF and/or Global Positioning System (GPS) jammer, and ideally able to mount on organic rifle. Non-kinetic platoon-level C-UAS would include an omni-directional RF/GPS jammer and/or spoofer. Kinetic systems for both levels might be in the form of a rifle / rifle optic capable of tracking and defeating small UAS.
Vendors are requested to submit white papers for capabilities that meet the requirements by August 2. Mature capabilities that have the potential to meet these requirements may be invited to an Industry Day in September 2024 for a demonstration against live targets.
For more information
https://sam.gov/opp/7583df85be8e43049feef904fa50ad55/view
Image: US Marine Corps Cpl. Brian Vile operates a Skydio drone as part of a C-UAS field test at Mount Bundey Training Area, NT, Australia, July 11, 2024. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Migel A. Reynosa)
