The US Department of Defense is testing long-range drones developed in partnership with Ukrainian manufacturers under the Artemis project.
The U.S. military is planning to test Ukraine ’s long-range drones for the first time.The Defense Innovation Unit has awarded contracts to four companies as part of the Artemis project, which aims to assess the operational capabilities of long-range, one-way unmanned aerial systems .
This initiative, executed in collaboration with the Department of Defense’s Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition & Sustainment, is set against the backdrop of ongoing conflicts and the evolving demands on military technology.As part of the Fiscal Year 2024 budget, the DIU’s effort is specifically tasked with operational testing these platforms in environments where Electronic Warfare and Global Navigation Satellite System support may be limited or denied.This testing aligns with a congressional mandate that seeks to develop loitering munitions that can efficiently operate in an electromagnetic contested environment, all while maintaining a cost structure conducive to large-scale deployment.US to evaluate Ukraine’s long-range dronesTrent Emeneker, the DIU program manager overseeing this project, highlighted the significance of partnering with innovative companies.“We are excited about the non-traditional companies who are providing low-cost, adaptable, long-range UAS platforms. This project has been directed by Congress to rethink how we get capabilities to military forces quickly and at scale, achieving results faster than conventional methods,” Emeneker noted.The companies selected for the Artemis contracts include Swan, a U.S. software firm collaborating with a Ukrainian UAS manufacturer; Dragoon, a U.S.-based company; Aerovironment, also U.S.-based; and Auterion, another U.S. software firm partnered with a Ukrainian UAS firm.Over just four months, DIU and the Department of Defense successfully crafted a problem statement, solicited proposals, evaluated 165 submissions, and conducted flight demonstrations for those selected, leading to contract negotiations.A successful prototype is expected by the end of Fiscal Year 2025. To meet this timeline, the team must adhere to a rigorous testing and integration schedule, complete prototyping, and demonstrate effectiveness by May 2025.The development of Artemis draws insights from real-world combat conditions and user feedback within the Department of Defense regarding required advancements in capability to counter peer threats globally.The anticipated features of the Artemis capabilities include ground-launched, affordable UAS platforms with operational ranges between 50 and over 300 kilometers.These drones are designed for rapid launch, low-altitude navigation, payload versatility, and adaptability while functioning in environments characterized by disruption and limited bandwidth.Drone marketExciting developments were also showcased at the recent Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, where Ukrainian firms unveiled drones that have significantly impacted the ongoing conflict with Russia.Notable among these were the Shrike and Vampire drones, deployed recently in combat scenarios that have resulted in substantial destruction of Russian military assets.On October 19, 2023, Shrike drones targeted a Russian convoy, destroying eight tanks and four infantry fighting vehicles valued at around $19 million.Meanwhile, the newly assigned Vampire drones have already accounted for $56 million in destroyed Russian assets, including tanks and air defense systems.At CES, representatives from Ukraine sought to engage with potential investors and technology leaders to expand their influence in military and civilian drone markets.They presented various UAS options, highlighting their versatility, from military-focused systems to consumer models, emphasizing durability and efficiency.A representative from the Ukrainian defense sector noted the dual role of their drones in combat and humanitarian missions, stating, “In Ukraine, these drones perform critical functions for our military, but they are also instrumental in delivering humanitarian aid to areas that are too dangerous for human access.”The use of drones in such operations underscores their potential to save lives while adapting to the challenging realities of modern warfare.
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