What Happened
Long-Range Strike Capability Advances With Atlas Development
The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) has awarded Mach Industries a contract for the Runway Independent Maritime Expeditionary Strike (RIMES) program, aiming to develop a drone capable of long-range strikes with minimal infrastructure. The Atlas drone, developed in partnership with Whisper Aero, will utilize the JetFoil propulsion system to launch without a runway and operate from ships like Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. The RIMES program seeks a drone with a one-way range of at least 1,400 nautical miles and the ability to carry 1,000-pound munitions. This development was first reported by Breaking Defense.