Home / Technology / USAF Seeks Expendable Drones Mimicking Stealth Fighters
USAF Seeks Expendable Drones Mimicking Stealth Fighters
23 Aug
Summary
- Air Force wants target drones to simulate threats from hobbyist to stealth fighter.
- Drones must mimic supersonic fighter speeds and high-G maneuvers.
- Affordability and expendability are key, prioritizing commercial proposals.
The U.S. Air Force is embarking on a significant initiative to procure a new series of target drones. These platforms are intended to meticulously simulate a broad spectrum of aerial threats, ranging from inexpensive hobbyist drones to formidable fifth-generation stealth fighters and large multi-engine aircraft. The deadline for industry proposals is set for September 28, 2026.
For supersonic fighter emulation, the drones must exceed Mach 1.6 at approximately 40,000 feet, execute sharp high-G turns, and replicate authentic radar, infrared, and radio-frequency signatures. Larger drone systems are expected to operate near 50,000 feet, matching the altitudes of real bombers. Midsize platforms will fly between Mach 0.5 and 0.8, performing aggressive maneuvers similar to fighters.
Affordability and the ability for drones to be expendable are paramount. The Air Force is actively encouraging proposals from commercial, modified commercial, and dual-use sectors to reduce costs compared to traditional defense programs. This strategic shift follows recent costly losses of MQ-9 Reaper drones, highlighting the financial implications of engaging with cheaper, yet effective, adversary systems.
