U.S. and international manufacturers invited to compete, with up to $250 million more budgeted for development and scaled production The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) has launched a $100 million competition to identify low-cost intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft that can be produced and deployed at scale. The Low Cost ISR (LC-ISR) Challenge opened … [Read more...] about DIU Launches $100 Million Challenge for Low-Cost ISR Aircraft
DIU
DJI Releases Independent Security Assessment as FCC Covered List Debate Continues
OnDefend audit found no critical or high-risk vulnerabilities in tested DJI systems DJI has released the results of an independent cybersecurity assessment conducted by U.S.-based security firm OnDefend, as the company continues its appeal of inclusion on the Federal Communications Commission’s Covered List. The assessment examined two DJI drone systems, the DJI Air 3S and … [Read more...] about DJI Releases Independent Security Assessment as FCC Covered List Debate Continues
Drone Dominance: The Defense Department’s Push to Build a Scalable U.S. Drone Supply Chain
At this morning’s keynote roundtable at XPONENTIAL 2026, government and industry leaders outlined a new phase in the effort to scale the U.S. drone industry: moving from innovation and prototype development to industrial production, supply chain scrutiny, and rapid military acquisition. Moderated by Michael Robbins of AUVSI, the panel focused on the Department of Defense’s … [Read more...] about Drone Dominance: The Defense Department’s Push to Build a Scalable U.S. Drone Supply Chain
RPX Technologies Lands Embir-3 Thermal Camera on Blue UAS Framework
The Stillwater, Oklahoma firm secures NDAA compliance and DIU listing for its compact thermal imaging payload aimed at unmanned aircraft and loitering munitions. RPX Technologies has added its Embir-3 thermal camera to the Blue UAS Framework. The Stillwater, Oklahoma-based company announced the listing on May 8, 2026. The camera is now available as a trusted thermal imaging … [Read more...] about RPX Technologies Lands Embir-3 Thermal Camera on Blue UAS Framework
DIU Launches New Counter-Drone Sensing Initiative for Homeland and Mobile Defense
Commercial Solutions Opening Targets Scalable, Survivable Detection Technologies The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) has issued a new Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) focused on one of the fastest growing security challenges facing defense and homeland operations: detecting and tracking small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS). The solicitation, titled Counter UAS Sensing for … [Read more...] about DIU Launches New Counter-Drone Sensing Initiative for Homeland and Mobile Defense
