Pentagon is looking for drone bombers, but don't expect a B52 replacement, as they'd carry only an 18 lb payload

Date:
Fri, 31 Jul 2026 23:25:00 +0000

Description:
Reusable bomber drones carrying 18-pound payloads will compete in October's Gauntlet trial for $32 million in prototype contracts.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Reusable bomber drones join the Pentagon's Drone Dominance Program Payloads must exceed 8 kilograms, matching existing mortar rounds already available Drones must operate 15 to 30 kilometers from their launch positions The Pentagon has expanded its Drone Dominance Program by seeking reusable unmanned aircraft capable of carrying bombs instead of functioning solely as one-way attack systems.

Unlike traditional strategic bombers, these aircraft are expected to carry payloads exceeding 8 kg (about 18 lb), placing these aircraft in a very different category from long-range bombers such as the B-52. According to a new Request for Solutions, the Defence Department is seeking man-packable or light combat vehicle transportable drones capable of operating between 15 km and 30 km from their launch positions. Latest Videos From TechRadar Watch
full video here: Small reusable bombers instead of strategic aircraft Officials expect most candidate systems to weigh no more than 55 lb at gross take-off weight, excluding payload, making them substantially smaller than conventional military bombers.

The required payload exceeds 8 kg and should accommodate mortar rounds or similar munitions already available within existing military inventories. You may like USAF wants to replace $30 million MQ-9 Reaper drones with cheaper UAVs after "dozens" were lost in Iran, costing taxpayers billions Ukraine reveals secret strike squadron of civilian planes transformed into deadly reusable drone bombers US buys 2000 F-Drones F10 attack UAVs from Ukraine as the Pentagon moves to its next phase

Rather than releasing a single weapon before returning home, the aircraft should carry multiple warheads capable of engaging several moving or stationary.

Potential objectives include enemy personnel, light armoured vehicles, heavy armour, maritime surface craft, landing vessels, and additional battlefield assets requiring precision engagement. Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter Sign up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed! Contact me
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The Pentagon also requires these systems to remain operational during adverse weather, varying lighting conditions, and attempts to disrupt communications or satellite navigation through electronic jamming.

Officials also want advanced automation integrated into the aircraft, including autonomous functions and automated target recognition intended to reduce operator workload during combat missions.

"Vendors shall demonstrate targeting capabilities designed to improve engagement effectiveness, increase delivery accuracy, and reduce operation cognitive workload during target prosecution," the solicitation states. What to read next US Navy plans for 'Air Wing of the Future' with next-generation, pilotless carrier-based 1,150-mile-range drones to fly alongside manned aircraft Ukraine turns $200,000 AN-196 Liutyi kamikaze drone into reusable bomber to launch jet-powered missiles US startup founded by former teenage drone racers just won one of the Pentagon's biggest small-drone deals

Testing will include engagements involving stationary and moving drones, as well as stationary and moving objectives, across different operating heights. Prototype competition will determine larger future purchases The Pentagon expects reusable bomber drones to deliver greater reliability than manually piloted first-person-view aircraft. They will be designed for repeated combat operations instead of single-use attacks.

"Systems with advanced features are expected to achieve better results than simple first-person view (FPV) drones that are manual and rely on continuous operator input," the solicitation adds .

The department also said reusable platforms should provide higher reliability and capability than one-way attack systems because they are expected to survive multiple missions.

Manufacturers that complete the initial qualification stage will advance to a competitive evaluation known as the Gauntlet, scheduled for October, in which military personnel will assess complete operational systems.

Evaluators will examine aircraft performance together with payload release mechanisms, ground control equipment, and supporting hardware before determining which companies receive prototype awards.

Following those assessments, the Pentagon plans approximately $32 million in initial prototype contracts covering as many as 1,200 drone systems together with associated logistics packages.

The prototypes will be delivered within five months after receiving an order, while half of the requested systems must arrive within two-and-a-half months.

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