Powerus Wins $82M US Order for Counter-Drone Systems
The US has placed an $82-million order for counter-drone systems from Powerus under an existing government contract.
Powerus said deliveries are expected over the next several quarters. The company did not disclose the number or specific configuration of systems covered by the order.
The original contract also covers support equipment, operator training, and field service representative support. Individual orders can be placed as the government’s requirements arise.
Powerus said the systems will be manufactured in the US using components that comply with National Defense Authorization Act sourcing requirements. The company is headquartered in South Carolina and has US-based manufacturing operations.
Powerus’ Matrix family ranges from small quadcopters for close-range reconnaissance to larger aircraft designed to carry heavier payloads.
Its Guardian family, meanwhile, uses high-speed interceptor aircraft to engage aerial threats, with different configurations ranging from manually operated systems to a version under testing that Powerus says is designed for fully autonomous operation.
Powerus Expands Defense Portfolio
The new order adds to a series of defense deals Powerus has announced in recent months, as the company builds a portfolio around unmanned aircraft and counter-drone systems.
In September, the firm secured a limited procurement order from Pakistan’s Ministry of Defense for unmanned aerial systems and related support, expanding its presence in the international defense market.
It also signed a memorandum of understanding with Pakistani defense officials to explore further cooperation on unmanned and autonomous systems.
In August, a defense prime contractor placed a $2.51-million order with Powerus subsidiary Tandem Defense for 1,500 Matrix 7-inch first-person view aircraft, 100 pilot kits, and 750 spare-parts kits.
The same month, Powerus secured a $22.3-million contract to deploy a networked counter-drone system supporting US oil and gas interests and critical energy infrastructure in the Middle East.
