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Pentagon Acquires AI-Powered Indoor Strike Drones

Jan 02, 2025 - forbes.com
The Pentagon has awarded a contract to XTEND for the Precision Strike Indoor & Outdoor (PSIO) small Unmanned Aerial Systems, a kamikaze drone capable of targeting and striking inside buildings. This contract, managed by the Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate, marks a significant advancement in precision strike capabilities. The Scorpio-500, a quadcopter drone developed by XTEND, is central to this initiative. It features advanced navigation and communication systems, including mesh networking and a fiber optic data link, allowing it to operate in environments where GPS and radio signals are unavailable. The drone can carry a one-pound payload with various warhead options and is designed for indoor precision operations.

XTEND's Scorpio drones, known for their operational success with the IDF, will be manufactured in the U.S., with deliveries starting in Q1 of 2025. The PSIO drones are expected to fulfill specific tactical needs, potentially for Special Forces, by providing a unique capability to approach, enter, and strike targets within buildings while offering real-time video evidence. This technology represents a niche capability that could quickly spread among military forces, although replicating the sophisticated AI software poses a significant challenge.

Key takeaways:

  • The Scorpio 500 is a quadcopter attack drone capable of seeking and striking targets both indoors and outdoors, with advanced navigation and communication features.
  • XTEND's XOS operating system simplifies drone piloting, allowing even beginners to navigate complex indoor environments with ease.
  • The PSIO contract with the Pentagon's Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate aims to enhance precision strike capabilities with drones that can operate in GPS-denied environments.
  • The Scorpio drones can work in groups under a single operator, using mesh networking and fiber optic data links to ensure reliable communication and operation in challenging environments.
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