WASHINGTON - Deputy Secretary Hicks announced some of the capabilities and one of the systems selected for accelerated fielding as part of the first tranche of the Replicator initiative, which is focused on fielding all-domain attritable autonomous (ADA2) systems.

The Department has secured its needed funding of about $500 million for FY24, to include approximately $300 million from the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 defense appropriations bill supporting the Department's reprogramming request and additional funding identified using existing authorities and Defense-wide sources. In PB25, the Department has requested a roughly equal amount to the FY24 total and will work with Congress to support this request.

These investments bring together the capabilities of a broad range of traditional and nontraditional technology companies, including systems vendors, component manufacturers, and software developers.

The first tranche of Replicator capabilities include uncrewed surface vehicles (USV), uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) and counter-uncrewed aerial systems (c-UAS) of various sizes and payloads from several traditional and non-traditional vendors.

In the air domain, the Department will accelerate fielding of the Switchblade-600 loitering munition, produced by Simi Valley, CA-based AeroVironment Inc. U.S.-supplied Switchblade drones have already demonstrated their utility in Ukraine, and this system will provide additional capability to U.S. forces. In the maritime domain, the Department is diversifying the vendor base for USVs through the recently announced Production-Ready, Inexpensive, Maritime Expeditionary (PRIME) Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO). The CSO process allows U.S. and international companies to pitch technologies to the Department in a fast-track process for a prototype contract. Launched on January 30, 2024, the PRIME CSO received over one hundred applications from commercial technology companies. With FY24 funding secured, the Department is on track to award several contracts this summer.

The first tranche of Replicator also includes certain capabilities that remain classified, including others in the maritime domain and some in the counter-UAS portfolio.

Since Deputy Secretary Hicks' announcement of the Replicator initiative and its initial focus on ADA2 systems just over seven months ago, the Department-wide effort has systematically aligned senior leaders around a common vision to identify and validate key joint operational gaps and rapidly field solutions in 18-24 months. The Department is also preparing the next tranche of capabilities to add to the ADA2 portfolio.

Source: DoD
Associated URL: https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3765644/deputy-secretary-of-defense-hicks-announces-first-tranche-of-replicator-capabil/

TAMPA, Fla.- Teledyne FLIR Defense is introducing its new Rogue 1 loitering munition system at the Special Operations Forces (SOF) Week convention in Tampa.

Rogue 1 is a next-generation, rapidly deployed, and optionally-lethal vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) small unmanned aerial system (sUAS) that enables warfighters to conduct precision-strikes against moving and stationary armored targets, soft-skinned vehicles, and dismounted threats. An advanced fuzing system on Rogue 1 features a first-of-its-kind mechanical interrupt that allows the aircraft to be safely recovered and reused when targets are disengaged or missions are aborted.

Rogue 1 also features advanced electro-optical and FLIR Boson 640+ thermal cameras to deliver day/night long-range reconnaissance and surveillance. Plus, a novel coupling between sensors and warhead in the gimballed payload enables extremely precise targeting. Operators can attach modular, mission-specific payloads with lethal effects designed for distinct target types. Users can choose from Explosively Formed Penetrator (EFP), Forward Fragmenting, or non-lethal Trainer payload options.

With a 30-minute flight time, burst speeds of more than 70 mph (113 kph), and range greater than six miles (10 km), the lightweight Rogue 1 was developed for today’s harsh battlefield conditions, including communication- and GPS-denied environments. Rogue 1 performs beyond the range and capabilities of existing organic weapon systems, while minimizing collateral damage and maximizing standoff.

In April, Teledyne FLIR Defense was selected by the U.S. Marine Corps for an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity contract worth up to $249 million for the Organic Precision Fires-Light (OPF-L) program. The company is offering Rogue 1 as its OPF-L platform and will deliver an initial order of 127 systems to the Marines later this summer.

In 2022 Teledyne FLIR supplied the first Rogue 1 systems to U.S. Special Operations Command for evaluation under their Ground Organic Precision Strike Systems (GOPSS) program and continues to deliver additional systems at present.

Source: www.teledyne.com

WASHINGTON -- Feloni Aero has launched its latest line of weaponized drones aimed at bolstering defense capabilities in Ukraine. With the recent passage of the spending bill by the United States government, Feloni Aero stands poised to provide advanced solutions to enhance Ukraine's security infrastructure.

Feloni Aero's drones can be outfitted for combat with different weapon options. This includes a 5.56mm cannon (similar to the caliber used in M16 rifles), the ability to carry missiles, and advanced surveillance equipment.

The company C-UAS technology utilizes millimeter wave technology to mitigating the growing threat posed by unauthorized drones in sensitive airspace. Utilizing millimeter wave technology, these systems offer precision and effectiveness in detecting, tracking, and neutralizing rogue drones. This advanced technology enables rapid response to potential threats, safeguarding critical infrastructure, public events, and military installations from malicious drone incursions.

Source: https://www.feloniaero.com/