The United States Air Force wants to transform cargo aircraft into airborne launch platforms capable of rapidly deploying autonomous drone swarms.
Once released, those drones could protect forward bases, parked aircraft, and mobility forces operating in increasingly dangerous airspace.
The concept would send transport aircraft and their accompanying drones to threatened Air Force installations around the world.
Artificial intelligence would then coordinate the swarm as it patrols designated areas and responds autonomously to potential attacks.
MORE NEWS: One Year Later: Charlie Kirk Was Not Divisive. He Was Winning. Pick Up the Flag.
An Air Force Small Business Innovation Research solicitation calls for “adaptive, force-multiplying launch platforms” able to provide “a rapidly deployable swarm for base security.”
Companies interested in the ambitious program face an Oct. 21 deadline.
The service is pursuing what amounts to three capabilities from one flexible system.
Cargo aircraft could become drone motherships, defend themselves in contested airspace, and deliver an autonomous security network wherever American forces establish operations.
