# Pentagon Plans $450M Drone Buy

The Pentagon is planning a Phase 3 Drone Dominance Program competition worth at least **$450 million** for approximately 60,000 low-cost unmanned aircraft systems, with an option for up to 40,000 additional systems. The competition retains Deep Strike and Close Quarter Battle mission requirements while adding more demanding scenarios and faster operations. Vendor demonstrations are expected to begin in October, creating a near-term opportunity for UAS suppliers; the signal does not specify the year or an award date.

- The planned quantity and option indicate potential demand for suppliers able to deliver low-cost systems at scale.
- Companies should assess whether their systems can support both mission requirements and the more demanding operational scenarios described, and prepare for the expected demonstrations.
- The competition is planned, not an award; the signal provides no solicitation number, vendor list, or detailed demonstration schedule.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Published:** September 29, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Department of Defense (Pentagon) (DoD)

### Sources
- [Pentagon Plans $450 Million Buy For Drone Dominance’s ‘More Complex’ Phase 3 Competition - Defense Daily](https://www.defensedaily.com/pentagon-plans-450-million-buy-for-drone-dominances-more-complex-phase-3-competition/unmanned-systems) - Defense Daily