The U.S. Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and Singapore’s Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) have launched a collaborative initiative aimed at advancing drone communications and counter-drone technologies. Known as the U.S.-Singapore Joint Challenge, this initiative seeks to identify innovative C-UAS technologies that can enhance the ability to detect, track, identify and disrupt unauthorised drones, while also improving drone communications during critical operations.
The challenge is divided into two key areas of focus. The first aims to support ships operating near shore in their efforts to continuously detect and neutralise unauthorised drones. The second focus is on ensuring resilient communications for small commercial drones used in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) missions.
This joint effort marks the first major initiative resulting from a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Defence Innovation Cooperation, signed earlier this year between DIU and Singapore MINDEF.
The agreement, formalised in May by Tan Peng Yam, Chief Defence Scientist for MINDEF, and Doug Beck, Director of DIU and Senior Advisor to the U.S. Secretary of Defense, underscores a commitment to closer bilateral cooperation on adopting and scaling commercial technologies to address operational challenges faced by both nations’ military forces.
Beck expressed the importance of this collaboration, stating:
“We are proud to contribute to the strategically important effort to deepen bilateral cooperation with Singapore in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. We look forward to working with our Singaporean partners to deliver concrete solutions that address the pressing security challenge of unauthorised drones, as well as critical support for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.”
Security through C-UAS innovation
The U.S.-Singapore Joint Challenge is the latest effort by both nations to secure a safe, free and open Indo-Pacific region. With a focus on countering the growing threat of unauthorised drone use and maintaining robust communications in HADR scenarios, the challenge reflects the need for adaptable, commercial technology that can be rapidly implemented in real-world environments.
Throughout the 12-week challenge, participating innovators will develop and demonstrate counter-drone solutions tailored for shipboard use. These systems must be able to detect drones, notify operators, disrupt unauthorised activities and function in tropical maritime conditions.
The solutions are expected to integrate seamlessly onto naval vessels, offering a detection and engagement range of over one kilometre, with response times under one minute and minimal manpower requirements.
The challenge is open to companies based in the U.S. or partner nations, including NATO members, Five Eyes Alliance countries, and those within the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA).
Eligible participants include early to mid-stage companies, or non-traditional businesses as outlined by the U.S. Department of Defense, with winners to be awarded a share of a $300,000 prize pool.
This initiative paves the way for increased defence innovation and technology collaboration between the U.S. and Singapore, while pushing to tackle critical security challenges in the region.
Post Image – Douglas A. Beck, Director of DoD’s Defense Innovation Unit and Tan Peng Yam, MINDEF’s Chief Defence Scientist sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Defence Innovation Cooperation. (Post Image Credit: Defense Innovation Unit)
