Anduril Secures $642 Million Contract to Protect US Marine Corps from Small Drone Threats

Defense technology company Anduril has successfully landed a major contract with the US Marine Corps, valued at $642 million. This 10-year commitment will enhance the military's counter-drone capabilities, specifically aiming to address threats from smaller drones, similar to those deployed during the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Anduril emerged victorious among ten bidders competing for the substantial deal.

The contract, titled Marine Corps Installation-Counter small Unmanned Aircraft Systems program, is focused on implementing a robust network of anti-drone technologies to safeguard Marine Corps bases and facilities. The Department of Defense explained that Anduril was selected for its expertise and proven track record in countering drone threats, particularly against lighter, commercial-type drones categorized by the military as Group 1 and Group 2. These drones typically weigh less than 55 pounds and operate below 3,500 feet altitude.

Earlier in November, Anduril had already secured another five-year, $200 million contract for the Marines known as the Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS). This mobile air-defense system can be mounted on vehicles, including Humvees, providing flexible and effective counter-drone solutions.

This latest contract aligns with the Marine Corps' concern about a notable security gap at installations. Military authorities previously highlighted the unique security challenges that small drones pose for stationary bases compared to operational forces on the move.

While the Defense Department did not specify which Anduril products or exact quantities would be included under this latest contract, the company's established drone-fighting tools include the Anvil quadcopter drone interceptor and Pulsar electronic warfare jammers. The Anvil system can swiftly engage enemy drones and, if necessary, can be equipped with explosives to neutralize larger drones. Meanwhile, the Pulsar jamming technology was previously procured by the Pentagon in a separate deal from October valued at $250 million.

Founded in 2017 by Oculus creator Palmer Luckey, Anduril aims to make modular, scalable defense innovations, often using the same technology to pursue multiple government contracts. Additionally, it collaborates with leading technology developers like OpenAI. Anduril operates its defense solutions using an artificial intelligence platform called Lattice, designed to efficiently scan battlefields and swiftly identify threats.

In a notable recent development, Anduril clinched a large-scale $22 billion mixed-reality goggles contract with the US Army, taking over a program initially awarded to Microsoft. With fresh financing providing $1.5 billion in August, Anduril plans to rapidly expand, including opening a new Ohio factory spanning 5 million square feet that promises to significantly scale up production capacity.