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Pentagon: Amid escalating drone attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels targeting ships in the Red Sea, the U.S. Navy and the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) have initiated a partnership to develop a counter uncrewed aircraft system. Named Counter NEXT, the program aims to swiftly prototype and deploy systems capable of disabling or shooting down adversary drones globally.  

Since the fall of last year, Iran-backed groups have launched numerous attacks using drones, uncrewed surface vessels, and anti-ship ballistic vehicles, resulting in disruptions to global trade routes and the tragic deaths of three merchant sailors. A June 13 report by the Defense Intelligence Agency highlighted the widespread impact, noting alterations in shipping routes by 65 countries and 29 major energy and shipping companies.  

Strategic imperatives and substantial risks  

The growing menace of adversarial unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) poses substantial risks to U.S. and allied forces, naval vessels, and commercial shipping transiting critical maritime routes worldwide, underscored DIU in a recent statement. Protecting commercial maritime trade and ensuring the safety of service members operating in contested environments are paramount objectives for the U.S. military.

DIU, leveraging a dedicated portfolio of commercial and off-the-shelf technologies, aims to bolster defences against drone threats. Matthew Way, spearheading DIU’s efforts, emphasized the urgency of enhancing capabilities and safeguarding against evolving adversarial tactics. He outlined plans to allocate part of Congress’s $800 million budget increase in fiscal 2024 to initiatives like Counter Next during the Applied Intuition’s Nexus conference in Washington, DC.  

Technological focus and implementation strategy 

Counter Next prioritizes kinetic systems that offer cost-effective alternatives to traditional missile defence systems. These systems, built on mature technology, are slated for rapid deployment and integration with various naval platforms. DIU emphasizes the importance of seamlessly integrating these counter-UAS capabilities into existing naval sensor networks to enhance operational effectiveness.  

Pentagon officials advocate for a layered approach to counter enemy drones, emphasizing the integration of electronic warfare and kinetic effects. Proposals under Counter Next are expected to demonstrate capabilities not only against aerial threats but also surface vessel threats, although the latter is not a mandatory requirement. Selected contractors must deliver at least five operational systems within 12 months of contract award, ensuring readiness to address immediate threats in maritime regions of strategic importance.  

This collaborative effort between the U.S. Navy and DIU underscores a proactive stance against emerging security challenges in maritime domains, aiming to safeguard international shipping lanes and uphold global maritime security standards.