The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) has awarded contracts to Anduril Industries and Zone 5 Technologies to advance its Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) NEXT program. According to DIU, the initiative is focused on developing affordable and scalable drone interceptors capable of addressing evolving aerial threats.
The organization stated that both companies will continue building on earlier design and flight test work, refining their prototypes to meet operational needs. The next stage includes system integration, safety testing, and preparations for a live-fire demonstration scheduled for summer 2026.
According to DIU, Counter NEXT is designed to help the Department of Defense reduce the cost imbalance between hostile drones and the systems used to defeat them. By employing commercially inspired designs and modular architectures, the program aims to accelerate deployment while maintaining effectiveness against current and future threats.
DIU emphasized that the collaboration with Anduril and Zone 5 is intended to ensure the U.S. military has access to reliable, high-volume interceptor options that can complement existing air defense systems.
