Key facts
- Defense contractors gathered at the AUSA Annual Meeting and Exposition in Washington to display missile and drone counter-technologies.
- The expo emphasized air and missile defense systems due to growing concerns about modern warfare threats.
- Motorola Solutions presented drone detection and counter-UAS solutions, including RF detection and AI-enhanced drone-in-a-box systems.
- The US Army is prioritizing modular, soldier-assembled drones for reconnaissance, attack, and defense missions, drawing on lessons from Ukraine.
- Pratt & Whitney, AeroVironment, Anduril, and Ursa Major were among the companies exhibiting advanced defense systems.
The Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting and Exposition, a major ground-based weapons show, opened on Monday in Washington, D.C. This year's event placed a significant emphasis on air and missile defense systems, reflecting a heightened concern over the increasing role of missiles and drones in modern warfare.
Companies like Motorola Solutions are presenting technologies aimed at enhancing military decision-making and combat readiness. Joe Balchune, vice president of Federal Markets at Motorola Solutions, noted that "Our counter drone solutions provide the operational intelligence to protect against these daily incursions, helping defense agencies outmaneuver adversaries and sustain mission readiness." The company is demonstrating solutions including networked RF sensors for early warning, a SaaS platform for drone detection, and long-range thermal cameras.
Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll stated during his keynote address that drone operations and counter-uncrewed aerial system (counter-UAS) capabilities are becoming central to the Army's modernization strategy. The Army plans to equip formations with modular, soldier-assembled drones that can be rapidly configured for various missions, a strategy informed by lessons learned in Ukraine regarding rapid iteration and software updates.
Other exhibitors included Pratt & Whitney, AeroVironment, which displayed its Locust X3 directed-energy counter-drone system, Anduril with its FQ-44 Fury unmanned fighter aircraft, and Ursa Major showcasing its Havoc missile system. Chief of Space Operations Gen. Doug Schiess also addressed the conference, noting that some Space Force initiatives are contingent on new spending bills.