# USAF Seeks Long-Range Communications Drones

The U.S. Air Force is seeking suppliers of already-developed, small, attritable communications drones that can deploy from Air Force Special Operations Command fixed-wing platforms and form a mesh network in environments with advanced electronic warfare and weapons threats. The stated thresholds are a maximum takeoff weight of 330 pounds including fuel and payload, and a minimum range of 1,000 kilometers. The available information does not provide a solicitation number, procurement timeline, contract value, or contact details.

- Companies with existing commercial or non-developmental unmanned aircraft systems can assess whether their platforms meet the weight, range, threat-environment, and fixed-wing deployment requirements.
- The opportunity centers on resilient airborne communications and mesh networking for contested operations, making demonstrated networking performance and deployability relevant differentiators.
- No schedule or solicitation details are provided, so the excerpt does not establish a proposal deadline or a specific next procurement action.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Digital Infrastructure
**Published:** October 01, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Air Force (USAF)
- Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC)
- Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC)

### Sources
- [USAF Looks for Long-Range Communications Drones Deployable from AFSOC Fixed Wing Platforms - Defense Daily](https://www.defensedaily.com/usaf-looks-for-long-range-communications-drones-deployable-from-afsoc-fixed-wing-platforms/air-force) - Defense Daily