# Army Seeks Soldier-Level Counter-Drone Capabilities

The Army Combat Capabilities Development Command C5ISR Center is conducting early laboratory work and seeking industry partners to improve counter-UAS detection for individual soldiers and small units. The concept includes lightweight soldier-worn or portable sensors, potentially using acoustic signatures and software-based identification, integrated with equipment already carried by troops. The effort has not reached testing, and no solicitation, contract value, or procurement schedule has been disclosed.

- Companies with compact sensing and software capabilities can assess how their solutions would integrate with existing soldier equipment while minimizing size, weight, power, and added combat load.
- The Army’s stated interest in layered, networked sensing gives industry a basis for describing how offerings could contribute to small-unit counter-UAS capabilities.
- Because this remains a laboratory-stage market-engagement effort—not an announced solicitation—contractors should treat it as an early opportunity to communicate relevant capabilities, not as an active bid.
- C5ISR Center Director Beth Ferry said, “A layered and diversified approach is what we’re focused on.”

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Published:** October 15, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Army (Army)
- Army Combat Capabilities Development Command C5ISR Center (C5ISR Center)

### Vendors
- L3Harris Technologies ()
- SmartShooter ()

### Key Quotes
> A layered and diversified approach is what we’re focused on.
> — Beth Ferry, Director

### Sources
- [Army S&T Center Focusing On Soldier-Level Counter-Drone Capabilities - Defense Daily](https://www.defensedaily.com/army-st-center-focusing-on-soldier-level-counter-drone-capabilities/unmanned-systems) - Defense Daily
- [US Army eyes developing soldier-worn drone detection gear](https://www.defensenews.com/industry/techwatch/2026/10/15/us-army-eyes-developing-soldier-worn-drone-detection-gear) - Defense News