Pentagon awards $250M contract to Anduril for drone interceptors
Anduril Industries has been awarded a $249.9 million contract by the Department of Defense to deliver advanced air defense capabilities across multiple services.
The deal includes more than 500 units of its Roadrunner-M interceptors and additional Pulsar electronic warfare systems, aimed at countering the growing threat of unmanned aerial system (UAS) attacks against U.S. forces. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2024, continuing through the end of 2025.
The Roadrunner system, a high-explosive vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) interceptor, was developed to provide a rapid-response solution to neutralize larger UAS threats. Its design emphasizes speed, maneuverability, and cost-efficiency, making it a versatile asset in the evolving landscape of air defense. Combined with the Pulsar family of AI-driven electronic warfare capabilities, these technologies will be deployed to key regions where U.S. forces are most at risk from UAS attacks.
Roadrunner has been in operational deployment for Combat Evaluation since January 2024, while the Pulsar system has been active in multiple regions since August 2023. This contract represents a continuation of Anduril’s aggressive investment in its own research and development to produce innovative defense solutions rapidly, with Roadrunner going from concept to combat-validated deployment in less than two years.
Highlighting its unique features, Roadrunner is the world’s first recoverable explosive weapon, a leap forward in air defense technology that enhances both flexibility and efficiency. The system’s ability to intercept and neutralize UAS threats while being redeployed aligns with the Department of Defense’s focus on adaptable, multi-use assets in tactical operations.
Since launching its Roadrunner and Pulsar systems, Anduril has secured nearly $350 million in defense contracts. These funds support a range of initiatives, from system validation testing and experimentation to integration with existing U.S. military defense networks, ensuring that these advanced air defense systems perform seamlessly across all branches of service.