US Air Force expands $500 million counter‑drone system with Argus XL platform

The U.S. Air Force is strengthening its counter‑drone capability under a three‑year, $500 million indefinite‑delivery contract supporting Joint Interagency Task Force 401’s Domestic Shield Program. The effort adds Teledyne FLIR Defense’s Argus XL platform to AeroVironment’s Titan Multi‑Sensor system. Argus XL integrates radar, electro‑optical and infrared cameras with command‑and‑control software, providing continuous 24/7 detection, classification and tracking of small and micro unmanned aircraft, even in adverse weather.

The system is designed to protect military installations, critical infrastructure and other sensitive sites by delivering layered, real‑time situational awareness and allowing operators to archive and review mission data. It can also incorporate third‑party radio‑frequency sensors and defeat technologies, ensuring flexibility against evolving drone threats.