STRIKEWERX invites industry to provide their expertise in countering small drones

By Sean Green | STRIKEWERX Director of Marketing and Communications

BOSSIER CITY, La. — STRIKEWERX and Air Force Global Strike Command are researching the latest technology to stop small unmanned aerial systems with their new Challenge event.

STRIKEWERX, the command’s innovation hub, is aiding the AFGSC Office of the Chief Scientist’s effort to research and develop state-of-the-art technologies to defend mobile transport systems against swarming, autonomous, small, unmanned aircraft systems. 

“U.S. integrated deterrence is backstopped by a safe, secure and effective nuclear deterrent. This challenge will discover the newest developments in industry to address threats and maintain the command’s commitment to nuclear deterrence,” said AFGSC Chief Scientist Dr. Donna Senft.

To accomplish this goal, STRIKEWERX is hosting a special workshop at the Cyber Innovation Center in Bossier City, Louisiana, for approximately 50 industry, academia and government experts May 4-5.

That group will collaborate with AFGSC subject matter experts to define the problem and shape the solutions sought for the challenge.

“We want to conduct market research for our government partners so they can learn about the latest and greatest technology available,” said Russ Mathers, STRIKEWERX director. “We want those businesses, educators and inventors on the cutting edge of unmanned aircraft systems. All ideas and technologies are on the table.” 

Following this workshop, an eight-week solution submission period will open for industry, small business, solopreneurs and academia. AFGSC evaluators will then identify the top submissions.

An in-person showcase of those submissions will be held at the Cyber Innovation Center for AFGSC evaluators to identify the best ideas for further development into prototypes. If the prototypes prove beneficial, they could be scaled for operational use. 

To find out more about our Challenge Definition Workshops, watch this video: https://vimeo.com/739702876.

For more information or to apply to attend, visit: https://afwerxchallenge.com/strikewerxc-suas.