In a significant development for tactical drone operations, XTEND, a prominent provider of AI-powered autonomy and drone solutions, has secured an $8.8 million contract with the U.S. Department of Defense’s Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate (IWTSD). This agreement, announced in Los Angeles, California, focuses on the delivery of the company’s innovative Precision Strike Indoor and Outdoor (PSIO) small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS).
The PSIO sUAS platform has been hailed as a groundbreaking advancement in drone technology, marking it as the first system officially approved by the U.S. Department of Defense for deployment as a loitering munition in both indoor and outdoor environments. Utilising sophisticated artificial intelligence, the system offers real-time, high-precision strike capabilities while minimising the need for extensive human intervention. This capability is particularly crucial in urban and open-field operations where traditional military maneuvers may be compromised.
XTEND’s system has undergone extensive live-fire tests and thorough safety evaluations, resulting in its approval under the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Manufacturing of the PSIO sUAS will take place within the United States, with initial deliveries expected in the first quarter of 2025.
Aviv Shapira, the Founder and CEO of XTEND, expressed pride in the collaboration with IWTSD. "We are honored to strengthen our partnership with IWTSD," he stated. "The live-fire tests demonstrated the precision, reliability, and operational superiority of our Scorpio PSIO sUAS solution. This contract validates our technology's ability to address the complex challenges faced by modern defense forces."
The development of the PSIO sUAS has been the result of two years of cooperative efforts with IWTSD, reflecting a commitment to leveraging advanced technologies in military applications. Its operational success has been evidenced in various global conflict scenarios, where it has served as a trusted asset for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Incorporating cutting-edge AI, the system enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of military teams during demanding missions.
This initiative underscores the growing trend of AI and automation in military operations, signifying a shift towards more sophisticated, technology-driven warfare capabilities. With the implementation of such systems, the U.S. military seeks to further modernise its approach to tactical operations, aiming to ensure mission success while safeguarding personnel in the field.
Source: Noah Wire Services