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Pentagon Unveils Top Drone Vendors in Gauntlet 2

September 19, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

Pentagon announces winners of Gauntlet 2 drone competition.
60,000 drones to be purchased from top vendors.
Gauntlet 2 tested 23 platforms from 19 companies.
Next Gauntlet to focus on 'bomber' drones.

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Strategic Implications

The Drone Dominance Program may indicate the Pentagon's growing emphasis on unmanned systems, which could signal a shift in military strategy. The inclusion of 'bomber' drones in future Gauntlets suggests a focus on expanding drone capabilities, which may impact the defense industry's competitive landscape.

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What Happened

Drone Dominance Program Expands With New Winners

The Pentagon has announced the winners of the second ‘Gauntlet’ competition under its Drone Dominance Program, a signature effort to rapidly field small unmanned aerial systems across the military. The department plans to purchase approximately 60,000 drones from top vendors, with the next Gauntlet focusing on ‘bomber’ drones. The program aims to acquire over 200,000 UAS by 2027, with the latest Gauntlet testing 23 platforms from 19 companies. This development was first reported by an unknown source.

Source | Originally Published: September 18, 2026

Companies Mentioned