The Pentagon is preparing to buy approximately 60,000 one-way attack drones through a $450 million Phase III competition, as a separate event for reusable bomber drones is delayed until early November, according to DroneLife’s report.
The Phase III request divides the initial purchase equally between Deep Strike and Close-Quarters Battle missions. Fixed prices are $5,000 per Deep Strike drone and $3,000 per Close-Quarters Battle drone, excluding munitions and supporting equipment. The government also holds an option for up to 40,000 additional units.
The solicitation closed on October 12, and Gauntlet III testing is expected in March 2027. Applicants must show they can produce at least 8,000 drones within five months, with the potential to exceed 100,000 units annually. No more than 14 companies are expected to reach the production stage, while up to four vendors in each mission category could receive prototype delivery orders.
The requirements also move beyond basic airframe supply. Deep Strike systems are expected to operate at ranges of 15 to 20 kilometers, including in conditions where satellite navigation or communications are disrupted. Desired capabilities include automated target recognition, GPS-free navigation and control of multiple aircraft by one operator. Close-Quarters Battle systems will emphasize compact designs, rapid deployment and quick switching between aircraft.
The official Drone Dominance program page lists an estimated November 2026 date for the Bomber Platform Mission and describes the program as a four-phase effort. It says the program aims to purchase over 200,000 drones by 2027 and is jointly administered by the Test Resource Management Center and Defense Innovation Unit, with Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane holding contracting authority.
DroneLife reports that Gauntlet 2.5 was originally scheduled for October at Camp Grayling, Michigan, and will assess reusable bomber drones. The Pentagon previously invited 17 companies to participate, with approximately $32 million anticipated for initial prototype orders.