DroneShield secures Pentagon digital market contract as anti‑drone tech expands

Australian‑based DroneShield was added to the Pentagon’s new JIATF‑401 digital marketplace for anti‑drone systems, prompting a share rally of up to 11% on U.S. and European exchanges. The company received a contract worth up to $24.9 million, with an initial $19.3 million order and options for an additional $5.6 million, slated for delivery in 2026‑27. The platform, described as an “Amazon for defense,” will allow U.S. forces, allied militaries and police agencies—including Australia, Poland, South Korea, the United Kingdom and Romania—to purchase DroneShield and other vendors’ equipment.

Separately, France’s defence sector showcased the HELMA‑LP portable high‑energy laser rifle, a compact system designed for a single operator to neutralise hostile drones. Developed by the French firm Cilasque for the French Ministry of Defence, the weapon features a telescopic stock, integrated power‑pack backpack and optional tripod for precise targeting. The HELMA‑LP was displayed at the Eurosatory exhibition, highlighting a shift toward lightweight, laser‑based counter‑UAS solutions.