DOD looking to buy a batch of SkyWiper counter-drone weapons for international partners
U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command is conducting market research ahead of an anticipated purchase of up to 100 handheld drone jammers for international partners.
The move comes as unmanned aerial systems are proliferating on battlefields around the world and U.S. military forces and their international partners are coming under attack.
SkyWiper technology can jam navigation, visual transmission and control systems in UAS.
U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command “anticipates a requirement to provide SkyWiper (EDM4S) man portable directional Electronic Drone Mitigation System in support of Building Partner Capacity efforts. The purpose of this announcement is to gain knowledge of interest, capabilities, and qualification of businesses to provide the SkyWiper (EDM4S) system with fixed price and cost reimbursable requirements,” according to a sources-sought notice posted Thursday on Sam.gov.
The command’s Integrated Fires Rapid Capabilities Office-International plans and coordinates the delivery of “emerging and rapid development” short-range air defense and counter-drone capabilities to foreign partners, among other tasks.
“The contractor shall be capable of delivering up to 100 handheld C-UAS systems (SkyWiper (EDM4S)) to ensure mitigation of control, video, and navigation signals,” per the RFI. “These systems are required to have a robust frame and be ready for use by activating the trigger. The system shall be man portable (less than 16 lbs.). High gain directional antennas are required for accuracy and efficiency. The system shall provide at least six (6) Radio Frequency (RF) modules to include 2.4GHz; 2xGNSS 1.5GHz and 1.2GHZ; 5.8GHz and at least 2 custom frequency modules to be specified upon ordering. Each module is required to operate at full power independently of other frequencies in use. Frequencies shall not be programmable by the user.”
The electronic warfare weapons would be required to have a minimum operational range of 5 kilometers.
The sources-sought notice did not identify which international partners would receive the EW systems. The Pentagon has been providing a slew of air-defense technology to Ukraine and Israel, among other countries.
Industry responses to the RFI are due Nov. 13.
