US Air Force issues RfI for electromagnetic pulse solutions for counter-UAS applications

US Air Force Materiel Command issued a Request for Information (RfI) on 7 December, seeking responses from industry regarding the R&D landscape for electromagnetic pulse (EMP) solutions for counter-UAS applications. All competent businesses are included in the service’s search for information – which it stresses is not a request for proposals at this stage.

The market research exercise includes both ground-based and airborne EMP solutions, though it is stipulated that any airborne platform must be of US manufacture and deemed airworthy by the US government. The solutions are sought for effective mitigation against Group 1, 2 and smaller Group 3 aircraft. The information sought covers a broad range of characteristics, ranging from performance details to manpower requirements, logistics support required and the strengths and weaknesses of each proposed solution. Key elements of the trawl for information include the capacity for the system to provide self-protection and the sprint speed, top engagement speed and loiter time for any proposed airborne solution. Responses are required by e-mail to matthew.zawisza@us.af.mil by 15:00 EST on 5 January 2024.