# DoD Expands Unmanned Systems Procurement

The U.S. Department of Defense is significantly increasing its investment in unmanned systems for fiscal year 2027, requesting a record $74 billion to advance small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS), counter-drone technologies, and drone warfare capabilities. Key service branches including the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps are actively procuring a range of unmanned platforms such as the Army's drone production programs, Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft, Navy's medium unmanned surface vessels, and expanded Marine Corps drone acquisitions at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Recent major contract awards include multiple Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts valued at $500 million each to Neros Technologies and Perennial Autonomy for drone systems and interceptors, as well as a $400 million contract to AeroVironment for directed energy systems. Procurement models emphasize rapid prototyping, modularity, and rapid fielding, with upcoming opportunities like the Drone Dominance Program competitions. 

- **Why this matters:** Procurement professionals should prepare for increased contract opportunities in unmanned systems, including IDIQ vehicles and rapid prototyping competitions.
- The focus on affordable, mass-producible unmanned platforms and layered counter-UAS defenses signals a shift toward scalable, modular solutions.
- Contractors with capabilities in drone manufacturing, counter-drone technologies, and directed energy systems are positioned to compete for significant DoD investments.
- Organizations should monitor evolving procurement strategies that prioritize rapid fielding and modular system integration across multiple service branches.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Contracting Vehicles
**Published:** September 24, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)
- U.S. Army
- U.S. Air Force
- U.S. Navy
- U.S. Marine Corps

### Vendors
- Neros Technologies (prime contractor)
- Perennial Autonomy (prime contractor)
- AeroVironment (prime contractor)
- Envision Technologies (prime contractor)
- Strategic Logix (prime contractor)

### Sources
- [U.S. Defense Unmanned Systems: Investment and Acquisition Outlook - Inside Unmanned Systems](https://insideunmannedsystems.com/u-s-defense-unmanned-systems-investment-and-acquisition-outlook) - Inside Unmanned Systems