U.S. Army units select own reconnaissance drones via UAS Marketplace

The Capability Program Executive (CPE) Aviation Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) Project Office is implementing a new approach to drone procurement by allowing operational units to select their own equipment. During evaluation events at Clarke Range in Anniston, Alabama, Soldiers from Transformation in Contact (TiC) units participated in demonstrations of Medium Range Reconnaissance (MRR) systems.

Through the UAS Marketplace, units were able to evaluate multiple Group 2 systems, conduct live flight operations, and receive instruction on procurement procedures. This initiative aims to provide company-level directed requirements, giving Soldiers more direct influence over the technology they use in the field. Following the demonstrations, units selected up to two different systems to meet their specific Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Target Acquisition (RSTA) needs. These selected systems are scheduled to be fielded and undergo training over the coming months.