# AFRL Awards Palladyne AI Swarming Contract

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) awarded Palladyne AI Corp. a **$4.2 million** contract on July 7, 2026, to develop the HANGTIME project, which advances autonomous swarming capabilities across multiple domains including space, air, maritime, and land. This initiative integrates Palladyne's patented SwarmOS AI platform with satellite and unmanned systems to enable coordinated, real-time multi-domain operations enhancing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) for defense applications.

- The contract marks a significant expansion of autonomous swarm technology into space domain operations, connecting drones, ships, satellites, and other unmanned systems for integrated defense missions.
- Procurement professionals should note the growing emphasis on multi-domain autonomous systems and AI integration, signaling increased opportunities for contractors specializing in advanced AI platforms and cross-domain coordination technologies.
- Defense contractors may benefit from exploring partnerships or capabilities aligned with Palladyne AI’s SwarmOS platform and related subsidiaries involved in precision machining and fabrication.
- This contract reflects AFRL’s strategic focus on enhancing real-time decision-making and operational coordination through innovative autonomous systems, indicating a priority area for future defense technology investments.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Artificial Intelligence
**Published:** July 09, 2026

### Government Entities
- Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)
- U.S. Army
- U.S. Navy

### Vendors
- Palladyne AI Corp. (prime contractor)
- GuideTech (subsidiary of Palladyne AI)
- Warnke Precision Machining (subsidiary of Palladyne AI)
- MKR Fabricators (subsidiary of Palladyne AI)

### Key Quotes
> The HANGTIME project is a breakthrough that unites high-altitude assets and situational unmanned systems into one coordinated sensor networkdelivering a major advantage for the defense industry.
> — Dr. Denis Garagic, Chief Technology Officer, Palladyne AI

> The HANGTIME effort represents a critical step in multi-domain autonomy for coordinated execution in challenging environments.
> — Caleb Williams, Program Manager, AFRL/RIEA

### Sources
- [Palladyne AI executes AFRL contract - Intelligence Community News](https://intelligencecommunitynews.com/palladyne-ai-executes-afrl-contract/) - Intelligence Community News
- [Palladyne AI Executes $4.2 Million U.S.  Air Force Contract to Advance Swarming Capabilities for Integrated  Cross-Domain Operations | $PDYN 
https://t.co/zKwXFVMRBu](https://x.com/CroConMedia/status/2074453786156843349) - twitter-defense
- [Palladyne AI stock rises after securing Air Force contract https://t.co/U57AOVUDCC https://t.co/S7DZ9cCx3E](https://x.com/CapitalRadarX/status/2074458754079473956) - twitter-defense