# DIU Awards Mach Industries RIMES Drone Contract

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) awarded Mach Industries a contract in June 2026 to serve as the aircraft integrator and lead developer for the Runway Independent Maritime Expeditionary Strike (RIMES) program. This program focuses on creating the Atlas drone, a hybrid-electric, long-range maritime strike unmanned aerial system (UAS) capable of launching from Navy surface combatants without large flight decks. The drone will incorporate Whisper Aero's JetFoil propulsion technology, enabling silent, efficient operation with a required range of at least 1,400 nautical miles and the capacity to carry 1,000-pound munitions. This contract represents a significant advancement in naval strike capabilities by enabling deployment from smaller ships, expanding operational flexibility for the U.S. Navy.

- **Why this matters:** Procurement professionals should note the emphasis on runway-independent drone technology that supports naval operations from smaller vessels, signaling a shift in maritime strike procurement priorities.
- The partnership between Mach Industries (prime contractor) and Whisper Aero (propulsion provider) highlights opportunities for vendors specializing in hybrid-electric propulsion and unmanned systems.
- Organizations involved in naval drone development should consider the technical requirements for long-range, silent propulsion and payload capacity as key factors in future bids.
- This contract underscores DIU's role in accelerating innovative defense technologies, indicating potential for similar future procurements focused on unmanned maritime systems.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Artificial Intelligence, Contracting Vehicles
**Published:** June 19, 2026

### Government Entities
- Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)
- U.S. Navy

### Vendors
- Mach Industries (prime contractor)
- Whisper Aero (propulsion provider)

### Key Quotes
> With JetFoil, Atlas can effectively meet the needs of the RIMES mission to operate even from Destroyer class vessels.
> — Mark Moore, CEO of Whisper Aero

### Sources
- [Mach Industries lands US DIU contract to serve as the aircraft integrator for the Runway Independent Maritime Expeditionary Strike (RIMES) program and lead its development and overall execution

https://t.co/5rHHOhtFVP](https://x.com/DefensePost/status/2067940468013289938) - twitter-defense
- [Mach Industries wins DIU contract for maritime, long-range strike drone - Breaking Defense](https://breakingdefense.com/2026/06/mach-industries-wins-diu-contract-for-maritime-long-range-strike-drone) - Breaking Defense
- [Mach Industries Wins DIU Contract For Runway-Independent Navy Drones - Defense Daily](https://www.defensedaily.com/mach-industries-wins-diu-contract-for-runway-independent-navy-drones/navy-usmc) - Defense Daily