Army Calls for Technologies to Operate in Drone Saturated Air Ground Domain

The US Army is seeking existing technologies that can help it operate more effectively in an increasingly contested space between the ground and low altitude airspace, according to reports from defense industry observers. The area, described as the Air Ground Littoral, is marked by the growing presence of small unmanned systems and autonomous platforms.

As reported by industry sources, a recent solicitation invites solutions across multiple capability areas aimed at improving situational awareness, mobility, and combat effectiveness. Sources said the request covers technologies ranging from unmanned systems designed to clear obstacles to tools that support targeting, fire coordination, and coordinated drone operations.

Industry participants indicated that the Army is particularly interested in systems that can be tested in near term field environments. Observers noted that proposed solutions must be mature enough for experimentation within the next year and capable of integrating with evolving command and control architectures.

According to reports, the solicitation emphasizes openness and adaptability. Sources familiar with the effort said technologies should support rapid prototyping and iterative development rather than long acquisition timelines. The request encourages participation from companies of all sizes, including nontraditional suppliers.

Industry sources said the move reflects lessons drawn from recent conflicts, where low cost drones have altered battlefield dynamics. Observers added that the Army is working to both employ unmanned systems more effectively and defend against them.

Defense analysts said the broad scope of the solicitation signals urgency. The Army is seeking practical tools that can be integrated quickly to maintain freedom of maneuver in a domain increasingly shaped by unmanned technology.