The Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF-401) has announced a $5.2 million agreement with Perennial Autonomy to field the Bumblebee V2, a kinetic counter‑drone system designed to support U.S. forces both at home and abroad. Awarded on January 30, deliveries are expected to begin in March.
The Bumblebee V2 is a next‑generation FPV multirotor drone built to intercept and disable hostile small unmanned aircraft systems by physically colliding with them. This drone‑on‑drone engagement eliminates both systems on impact, offering a controlled way to counter airborne threats while helping reduce collateral damage. The design provides a focused defensive tool for protecting troops and key infrastructure.
In announcing the agreement, U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Matthew Ross emphasized the importance of quickly fielding effective technology. “This decision puts kinetic [counter-small] UAS capability into the hands of our troops immediately,” he said. He noted that the interceptor is intended to offer a dependable option for neutralizing threats without increasing risk to personnel or surrounding assets. “On the modern battlefield, where drones are a constant threat, having a low-collateral kinetic option is not just an advantage, it is increasingly becoming essential for protecting our forces.”
The system will undergo operational assessment by the Army’s Global Response Force in support of the recently established Lieutenant General Gavin Joint Innovation Outpost. The evaluation will determine whether the system meets the demands of units trained to deploy rapidly in complex mission environments. This aligns with the outpost’s goal of accelerating delivery of effective technology directly to warfighters.
Maj. Cole Price, assistant capability manager at JIATF‑401, highlighted additional details about the platform’s software and compliance standards. “The Bumblebee V2 is fully NDAA compliant and is equipped with cutting-edge software that allows it to identify, track, and collide with other drones,” he said. “This provides a crucial capability for our forces to counter the growing threat of autonomous systems.”
As small unmanned aircraft become increasingly common in conflict zones and in the homeland, the Bumblebee V2 represents an effort to address rapidly evolving threats with a low‑cost kinetic option. The task force aims to ensure U.S. forces have access to tools that can keep pace with emerging airborne technologies and hostile drone activity.
Post Image Credit: Department of War.
