The Pentagon wants more, faster

Drones are now indispensable on current battlefields, in fact almost dominating them. This relatively new technology is also evolving rapidly. The Pentagon is watching this trend of course, and (frankly) is trying to catch up. In short, they want what is happening daily in Ukraine.

This is why the Defense Innovation Unit has launched “PROJECT GI,” which aims to identify and scale frontline capable drone solutions in the shortest time possible. The DIU's goal is to use a new and agile process to evaluate new technologies, involve warfighters early in development, and advance the prototyping, iterating and fielding of technologies that can deliver operational advantage at speed. 

Platforms of interest include Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) and supporting items, and the project is open now through December 31, 2025. Submissions should feature mature, mission-ready capabilities that can participate in live evaluations within three months of the solicitation’s release. There is also a prize funding pool of $20M to be awarded across the three Design Reference Missions (DRM’s). Learn more and apply here.