What Happened
Government Seeks Affordable ISR Platforms for Military Use
The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) has launched a $100 million competition to identify low-cost intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance aircraft that can be produced and deployed at scale. The challenge seeks mature unmanned aerial systems capable of medium- or long-endurance ISR missions, with up to $250 million budgeted for development and scaled production. International manufacturers are invited to compete, with the goal of providing affordable ISR platforms for military use. The competition was first reported by DRONELIFE.