US Air Force Issues Two RFIs for Counter-Small UAS Technologies
The US Air Force (USAF) has published two Requests for Information (RFIs) on SAM.gov seeking industry input on counter-small unmanned aircraft systems (C-sUAS) technologies. The first RFI focuses on detection, tracking, and identification capabilities able to detect Group 1 drones beyond 2 km. The second targets kinetic 'hard-kill' defeat systems, including high-energy lasers, high-power microwave systems, and AI-guided interceptor drones. Both RFIs carry a response deadline of July 31, 2025.
Highlights
- The US Air Force's Point Defense Battle Lab (PDBL) published two C-sUAS RFIs on SAM.gov, both with a response deadline of July 31, 2025.
- RFI 1 requires detection and tracking systems capable of continuously monitoring all Group 1 drone types at distances exceeding 2 km, including in GNSS-denied environments.
- RFI 2 solicits kinetic hard-kill systems including high-energy lasers rated 2–20 kW and GaN solid-state high-power microwave systems capable of countering drone swarms.
- AI-guided drone-on-drone interceptors that are 3D-printable to operational scale are among the specific technologies requested in the kinetic defeat RFI.
- Detection and classification of Group 2 and Group 3 drones is listed as a desirable additional capability beyond the minimum requirements in RFI 1.
US Air Force Issues Two RFIs for Counter-Small UAS Technologies
The US Air Force (USAF) has posted two Requests for Information (RFIs) on the US government procurement portal SAM.gov, both addressing counter-small unmanned aircraft system (C-sUAS) technologies.
RFI 1: Detection, Tracking, and Identification Capabilities
The first RFI was issued by the Point Defense Battle Lab (PDBL) to broadly gather industry information, improve the Air Force's awareness of available market capabilities, and identify qualified vendors with collaboration potential. Target systems must be easy to operate, rapidly deployable, and capable of functioning in extreme weather conditions. Systems should be transportable by pallet freight and set up within two hours with a small team of no more than four personnel.
On the technical specifications side, systems must be capable of continuously detecting and tracking all Group 1 drone types at distances of 2 km or greater, with longer detection range and higher tracking accuracy preferred. Systems must also provide autonomous classification of detected targets and effectively distinguish biological clutter, ground clutter, and false targets to maintain a clear air picture.
Additional required capabilities include:
- Simultaneous detection and tracking of multiple drone threats
- Ability to operate in GNSS-denied or GNSS-degraded environments
The ability to detect, track, and classify Group 2 and Group 3 drones is listed as a desirable additional capability.
RFI 2: Kinetic (Hard-Kill) Defeat Systems
The second RFI, also issued by the PDBL, focuses on kinetic — i.e., "hard-kill" — defeat systems. Specific items sought include:
- APKWS (Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System) medium-range precision vehicles and containerized launch systems
- Large-caliber 30mm gun barrel air-burst/proximity-fuze close-in sustained-fire systems
- Small-caliber automated weapon stations equipped with C-sUAS fire control systems
- Drone-on-drone autonomous kinetic interceptors with AI terminal guidance, 3D-printable to operational scale
- High-energy lasers in the 2–20 kilowatt (kW) power range with precision engagement capability
- High-power microwave systems using GaN solid-state technology, providing area engagement capability against drone swarms with adverse-weather resilience
Response Deadline
The deadline for responses to both RFIs is July 31, 2025.
Image caption: Senior Airman Reilly Stredde, a small UAS operator with the 319th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron's Point Defense Battle Lab, demonstrates drone operations during the PDBL ribbon-cutting ceremony at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota, on April 9, 2026, showcasing how the PDBL employs commercial C-sUAS technology. (US Air Force photo by Senior Airman Trevor Gordnier)
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