In a move to strengthen US counter-drone defenses, JIATF-401 has contracted Perennial Autonomy to deliver Bumblebee V2 kinetic interceptor drones under a $5.2-million agreement. The low-cost, NDAA-compliant multi-rotor platform is designed to neutralize small unmanned aircraft through physical interception while minimizing unintended damage. Initial deliveries are scheduled for March, when operational testing will be conducted by the Army’s Global Response Force at the Joint Innovation Outpost. Established to accelerate rapid technology adoption, the JIOP represents the Pentagon’s push to streamline counter-UAS capability deployment. The contract builds on broader Defense Department efforts, including Replicator 2 acquisitions and updated infrastructure protection guidance.
