The US Department of Defense has launched a program to accelerate the development of next-generation drones to meet urgent operational demands.
Dubbed “Project G.I.,” the program challenges vendors to rapidly build and deploy small and medium unmanned aerial systems at scale, with more direct input from soldiers.
The effort targets mature solutions with high readiness levels, and those that may not be highly complex but can be adapted quickly to battlefield demands.
“Project G.I. improves upon current programs of record by incorporating end-user feedback and slashing delivery timelines that can stretch years into the future,” the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), which leads the effort, said in a statement.
Interested companies have until December 2025 to submit “mature” and “mission-ready” drone designs. Three winners will share $20 million in funding.
“Today, warfighters lack the unmanned systems needed to train for combat and prevail if called upon to use them,” said DIU Director Doug Beck. “DIU is laser focused on getting best-of-breed technology in the hands of the warfighter today and scaling it for training, adoption, and readiness.”
Replicating Ukraine’s Speed?
The push to deploy affordable drones faster and at scale reflects their rising importance in modern warfare, as evident in Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Both countries have relied heavily on uncrewed platforms for surveillance and strikes, often using low-cost platforms in high volumes to outmaneuver traditional defenses.
Kyiv has responded by rapidly scaling up production of kamikaze and reconnaissance drones to out-innovate Moscow and gain an edge on the battlefield.
In February, a senior Ukrainian official told the Kyiv Post the country is on track to produce 2.5 million drones this year, with that number expected to grow.
President Volodymyr Zelensky has said Ukraine now has the capacity to manufacture up to 4 million drones annually.
