US Army offers $1 million in prizes for drone-defence trials in Morocco
The US Army has launched an international competition offering $1 million in prizes to select new counter-drone technologies. Up to 15 companies will be invited to test their equipment in Tan-Tan, Morocco, in February 2027. Prototyping contracts worth up to $5 million are also under consideration.
The call for applications, launched on November 6 by the US Army, is open to companies able to offer counter-drone systems advanced enough for field testing. Applicants have until November 17 to submit a four-page technical proposal accompanied by a five-minute presentation video.
On Bladi.net : US Army to Test Up to 15 Counter-Drone Technologies in Morocco
According to the US Army’s official announcement, up to 15 finalists will each receive $25,000 to take part in demonstrations in Morocco. Those that successfully integrate their technologies into military exercises will receive an additional $25,000.
At the end of the trials, up to five winners will each receive a further $50,000. The total value of the various prizes could thus reach $1 million.
Military trials from February 15 to 26
The demonstrations are scheduled to take place in Tan-Tan from February 15 to 26, 2027. US military personnel will evaluate equipment capable of detecting, tracking and neutralizing drones, as well as passive protection systems designed for isolated facilities.
The competition, organized by the US command SETAF-AF with the acquisition office G-TEAD, is intended to quickly identify technologies that could equip units deployed in the field.
A further stage is planned from March 1 to 31, 2027. The competition rules provide for the possibility of awarding prototyping agreements worth up to $5 million, depending on the results and the US Army’s needs.
On Bladi.net : US Army Seeks Systems to Detect Radio-Silent Drones in Morocco
The selected technologies may then be evaluated during African Lion 2027, the multinational exercise held in part in Morocco. This second phase will allow US military personnel and their partners to observe how the equipment performs under operational conditions. The competition’s five winners are due to be announced on February 26, 2027.
