The Pentagon's counter-drone force has rolled out a new online marketplace for buying defensive tech
Developed with Kaizen Laboratories, the new shop allows users to find systems based on price, features, performance reviews, and requirements.
On May 15th, the Pentagon's counter-drone task force, in collaboration with Kaizen Laboratories, launched a new online marketplace designed to streamline the acquisition of defensive technologies against uncrewed aerial systems. Titled the Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Marketplace, this platform allows military, federal government, and law enforcement personnel to compare systems, performance data, and prices.
Kaizen Laboratories secured a $15 million contract from the Joint Interagency Task Force-401 to develop and operate this enhanced platform, which can be accessed within less than nine weeks of its creation.
The marketplace aims to bypass traditional, slow, and fragmented weapons acquisition processes, which often hinder the rapid deployment of capabilities at the edge. A Pentagon spokesperson highlighted that such online shops are essential to address the rapid evolution of drone threats and the need for faster, more efficient counter-UAS defenses.
The C-UAS Marketplace features a library of forms and permits, a planning tool to identify suitable systems based on user requirements and budget, and AI-generated recommendations across various aspects of the kill chain.
US Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Iyer Ramakrishna
Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, director of JIATF-401, emphasized the growing prevalence of drones as a defining threat, prompting the Pentagon to accelerate its response. The marketplace's launch comes amidst ongoing conflicts where drones have posed significant challenges, including the US war with Iran, where large numbers of expensive munitions were expended to counter Iranian Shahed drones. In response, both American and allied forces have sought cheaper and more prolific counter-UAS weapons and equipment.
The new platform also allows for global sharing of best practices and equipment, fostering collaboration with US partners and allies. During its initial phase, some vendors, including Anduril and AeroVironment, have already listed their counter-UAS systems on the marketplace. Future vendors can submit their products for approval by the task force.
US Army Maj. Mike Hapner, lead of the C-UAS marketplace, stressed that the platform creates a streamlined, trusted pathway for the Joint Force, domestic law enforcement, and international partners to rapidly discover and acquire validated technologies, thereby enhancing readiness and mitigating time-related losses.
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