Thunderdome 2026: Low-Cost Interceptors for Counter-UAS

The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, in collaboration with UX-24 Unmanned Aircraft Test Squadron and NAWC WOLF, is seeking industry input on affordable interceptor systems designed for Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems missions. This effort supports Thunderdome 2026, a Naval Innovative Science & Engineering initiative aimed at rapidly advancing and demonstrating emerging CUAS technologies to counter the growing threat of adversarial drones to military operations. The initiative focuses on accelerating the fielding of low-cost, scalable, and effective interceptors capable of operating in complex and contested environments. The solicitation, identified as NAWCAD-SN-26-Thunderdome, was posted on July 10, 2026, with responses due by July 17, 2026. It is classified as a special notice with no set-aside requirements and is issued by the Department of Defense through the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division based in Patuxent River, Maryland. The response deadline is strict, and interested parties are directed to consult the associated special notice for full details on submission requirements and expectations. The exercise is designed to inform future acquisition strategies and technology development priorities within the Navy’s broader CUAS roadmap.