US Air Force signed a $0.5-billion contract for the introduction of technology for protection against small drones

At the end of September 2021, the US Air Force signed a contract with PAR Government Systems (PAR) worth almost $490 million. Cooperation involves the supply of technology for the Air Force to counter small unmanned aerial vehicles.

According to the release, the contract issued by the US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) provides for the supply of software, equipment and technical documentation from PAR. The company will conduct research, design and create a prototype system. The contract also includes operational evaluation, integration and technology support. The contract with an indefinite supply and an undefined amount of equipment was valid until August 31, 2029. PAR was the only contractor to apply for cooperation, but BAE Systems, CACI International, Dynetics, KBRwyle, Leidos and Northrop Grumman were also interested in the proposal.

US Air Force enters into a $0.5-billion contract with PAR Government Systems for the introduction of small drone protection technology

The development of technologies that can recognize and deter small unmanned aerial vehicles is a priority for the military. The number of threats often from commercially available drones that may contain explosives is increasing. There are also fears that such devices may be combined into whole swarms.

PAR Government Systems Corporation is a subsidiary of PAR Technology Corporation. She is a leader in the development of systems and service solutions in the field of geospatial intelligence. For more than 30 years, PGSC has provided software solutions, systems engineering expertise, and innovation in geospatial products to the Department of Defense, federal and state agencies, local governments, and private sector customers around the world.

Prior to the deal with PAR, the US Air Force Research Laboratory received a new technology for interacting with small UAVs from Defense Digital Service.^[1]

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