# AFRL Advances AI Drone Defense Technologies

On September 29, 2026, reporting on the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) described efforts to help junior troops develop AI-enabled counter-drone systems, including an autonomous AI-powered shotgun intended for drone defense. The reporting also covered a blood recirculation device designed to improve battlefield medical care. No contract awards, funding amounts, solicitations, deadlines, named participants, or procurement contacts were provided, so these efforts signal areas of defense technology development rather than specific bid opportunities.

- Defense contractors working in AI, autonomous systems, and counter-drone technology can assess whether their capabilities align with AFRL’s described development areas; the signals do not identify an open procurement.
- Medical-device firms may find the blood recirculation technology relevant to battlefield-care needs, but no acquisition pathway or requirement is specified.
- Because the reporting provides no contract or solicitation details, businesses should treat it as market intelligence, not as evidence of a funded opportunity.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military, Healthcare
**Topics:** Artificial Intelligence
**Published:** September 29, 2026

### Government Entities
- Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)

### Sources
- [Troops develop AI-driven drone defense weapons | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 9.29.26](https://www.federaltimes.com/video/2026/09/28/troops-develop-ai-driven-drone-defense-weapons-defense-news-weekly-full-episode-92926) - Federal Times
- [Troops develop AI-driven drone defense weapons | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 9.29.26](https://www.defensenews.com/video/2026/09/28/troops-develop-ai-driven-drone-defense-weapons-defense-news-weekly-full-episode-92926) - Defense News
- [Lifesaving and drone-killing tech from the Air Force Research Laboratory](https://www.defensenews.com/video/2026/09/28/lifesaving-and-drone-killing-tech-from-the-air-force-research-laboratory) - Defense News