Defense technology company Anduril has been awarded a $642 million contract by the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) to enhance counter-drone defenses at its installations. The contract, officially announced on Friday, is part of the Marine Corps Installation-Counter small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (I-CUAS) program, aimed at addressing the growing threat of small drones to military bases and facilities.

The I-CUAS program is designed to establish a network of counter-drone capabilities to detect, track and neutralize Group 1 and Group 2 drones – UAS that typically weigh no more than 55 pounds and operate at altitudes of up to 3,500 feet. These types of drones, including commercial variants modified for combat, have been widely used in conflicts such as the ongoing war in Ukraine.

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The USMC first announced its intention to award the contract in April 2024, citing a “security capability gap” in dealing with small UAS threats at military installations:

“The sUAS threat poses unique challenges to military installations when compared to those of operational forces,” USMC stated in its request for proposals.

The Defense Department revealed that ten companies had submitted proposals for the contract but did not disclose their names. Ultimately, Anduril emerged as the winning bidder. The company, headquartered in Costa Mesa, California, will conduct 80 percent of the contract work at its home base, with the remaining work to take place in Washington, D.C., and other Marine Corps locations.

This contract follows a separate five-year, $200 million agreement Anduril secured in November 2024 for counter-drone technology as part of the Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS). That program focuses on integrating mobile air defense systems onto platforms such as Humvees.

Major Jason Dempsey, Counter-UAS and GBAD Capabilities Integration Officer for the US Marine Corps, commented on the contract award, stating:

“After 5 years of my team at CDD with support from PM GBAD, MCICOM and PP&O building the requirements for the USMC Installation CUAS Program of Record, we finally have a Contract Awarded.”

With the I-CUAS contract now in place, Anduril will play a critical role in strengthening USMC defenses against small drone threats, a growing concern for military installations worldwide.

Post Image Credit: Anduril