#United States #Detroit #Drone Technology #U.S. Military #Swarm Defense

Swarm Defense Technologies Joins $1.1 Billion U.S. Drone Initiative

On February 11, 2026, Swarm Defense Technologies announced an exciting milestone in its journey by being selected as one of 25 companies to partake in the U.S. Department of War's ambitious Drone Dominance Program. This $1.1 billion initiative aims to revolutionize and enhance drone capabilities for American military forces by deploying advanced attack drone systems at an unprecedented scale.

Competing in the Phase I Gauntlet

In the coming months, Swarm Defense will compete in the rigorous Phase I Gauntlet, where military operators will assess various drone systems across diverse mission scenarios. These scenarios will include precision strikes at distances of up to 10 kilometers and urban target identification. From this phase, up to 12 companies will be chosen for initial production contracts, with the program slated to deliver a staggering 340,000 drones over four phases by January 2028.

Kyle Dorosz, CEO and founder of Swarm Defense Technologies, expressed pride in being selected for this critical initiative: "We are honored to be included among the 25 companies chosen to compete in this initial Gauntlet and are eager to demonstrate our technical and manufacturing capabilities."

Proven Manufacturing Expertise

Swarm Defense is not new to drone manufacturing. Rooted in Detroit, a city famed for its production capabilities, the company has successfully manufactured over 20,000 drones for entertainment purposes over the past eight years. This existing expertise in high-volume production provides a solid foundation for their expansion into national defense applications. "Detroit has always been about building things at scale," Dorosz remarked, highlighting the city’s industrial prowess.

Spin-off from Firefly Drone Shows in August 2024, Swarm Defense has honed its logistical and manufacturing competencies, establishing a robust facility capable of producing 72,000 units annually, which is set to grow beyond the 250,000-unit mark.

American-Made System Importance

The Department of War is spotlighting American-made drones from firms that demonstrate production capability. With a stark contrast to the dominance of Chinese manufacturers in the global drone market, this initiative seeks to restore the U.S. manufacturing might in critical defense technology. Dorosz emphasized, "This program is about rebuilding American manufacturing capability for critical defense technology. That's exactly what Detroit knows how to do."

Cutting-Edge Swarm Coordination Technology

One of Swarm Defense's standout capabilities is its proprietary swarm coordination software, enabling a single operator to control thousands of drones simultaneously while preventing collisions. Developed through years of operational drone shows, this technology employs real-time path deconfliction algorithms that allow for maximum effectiveness without mid-air interference.

As Adam Wright, President and former Navy SEAL of Swarm Defense, articulated, Phase I primarily focuses on the individual performance of drones. Still, subsequent phases will require operators to manage multiple drones at once, showcasing the distinct advantages offered by their swarm technology. "Our deconfliction algorithm enables thousands of drones to coordinate. A single operator can deploy massive swarms in minutes, not hours," he noted.

Lessons from Global Conflicts

Drawing insights from the modern battlefield, particularly during the Ukraine conflict, Wright acknowledged, "Modern warfare demands volume, reliability, and rapid deployment. When a $5,000 drone takes out a multimillion-dollar asset, the strategic equation drastically shifts." As the Department of War pivots focus, it recognizes that future conflicts will necessitate an arsenal of thousands of attritable systems rather than just a few high-end platforms.

The design of Swarm Defense’s KIWI drone reflects this philosophy, featuring modular payload capacities and a 10+ kilometer operational range, tailored for swift field deployment. These logistical advantages stem from years of entertainment operations where rapid setup and reliability are paramount.

About Swarm Defense Technologies

Swarm Defense Technologies is at the forefront of designing and manufacturing cutting-edge drone systems for defense applications. With a solid foundation in high-volume production and proprietary swarm coordination software, the company is poised to meet the rigorous demands of military capabilities at scale. Operating from a compliant Metro Detroit facility, it adheres to stringent National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) standards and is dedicated to supporting allied governments with U.S.-manufactured drone systems and swarm technology.

With a leadership team driven by industry veterans, Swarm Defense underscores its commitment to innovation and excellence while reinforcing America's position in global military capabilities.

For more information, visit www.swarmdefense.com.