DIU Solicits Unmanned Aerial Systems for Expeditionary Operations

The Defense Innovation Unit is seeking a drone capable of carrying fighter-sized munitions to strike targets hundreds of miles away, with the ability to operate from ships without large flight decks. The drone must have a one-way range of 1400 nautical miles and be able to deliver 1000-pound class munitions. The solicitation comes as the Navy faces growing threats from anti-ship weapons and constraints on long-range strike capabilities. The Defense Innovation Unit’s effort is part of a broader push towards unmanned systems, with the Navy also working on its Collaborative Combat Aircraft program. This development was first reported by Breaking Defense.