#USA #Syracuse #UAS #Hidden Level #Passive Radar

Department of War Awards $100 Million to Hidden Level

The Department of War has officially granted a $100 million contract to Hidden Level, a prominent pioneer in passive radar and radio frequency detection technologies. This innovative award aims to enhance the capabilities of U.S. military organizations in combating the ever-evolving threats posed by unmanned aerial systems (UAS).

Overview of the Contract

On July 30, 2026, Hidden Level received the Other Transaction Authority (OTA) contract, reflecting years of high-performance evaluation in operational environments, especially during critical exercises such as T-REX 25.2 and Falcon Peak 25.2. This contract represents a significant advancement for the military's capabilities in detection and identification of drone threats, particularly those that operate silently without emitting any radio frequency signals.

Jeff Cole, the CEO and founder of Hidden Level, expressed the importance of this award, stating, "This award is an important step to delivering our critically needed technology to see without being seen.” This reflects the military's efforts to urgently deploy counter-drone solutions in combat scenarios.

Technological Advancements

The engagement with Hidden Level marks a pivotal attempt to operationalize cutting-edge passive sensing technologies. The award allows the seamless integration of Hidden Level's multi-function RF sensor technology across various military domains. This technology is designed to detect, track, and identify both crewed and uncrewed aircraft over sensitive military installations, testing ranges, and even along U.S. borders.

According to Dr. Mike Tran, Director of Prototyping for the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Prototyping and Experimentation, this OTA award facilitates the ongoing maturation and operational transition of advanced sensing capabilities. It speaks volumes about the type of innovation necessary to enhance mission-critical capabilities rapidly.

Enhancing National Security

As demands for effective monitoring and protection against a surge of advanced UAS threats rise, Hidden Level is poised to respond swiftly. The award showcases the need for cost-effective and real-time passive sensing solutions, addressing the global proliferation of sophisticated unmanned aerial vehicles. The Department views this technology as essential for maintaining airspace security and awareness.

The OTA arrangement allows military stakeholders not only to procure Hidden Level's technologies but also facilitates rapid prototyping and integration of new capabilities tailored to current defense needs. This streamlined approach to acquiring sophisticated technology marks a new era for the U.S. military's adaptability in fast-evolving combat scenarios.

The Role of Hidden Level

Hidden Level's solutions, including systems like BREAKER, SURGE, BYOTx, and Airspace Monitoring Service (AMS), are wholly developed and manufactured in Syracuse, NY, using a U.S.-based supply chain. Their systems empower military personnel with persistent airspace security through the detection of RF energy and RF-silent aircraft. This capability allows their technology to operate discreetly and efficiently, providing mission-critical data without giving away its location.

Additionally, Hidden Level's technology is built on an open architecture framework, which allows easy integration with existing command and control systems and next-generation airspace monitoring platforms.

As military requirements evolve, the passive sensing technology pioneered by Hidden Level is not only aimed at countering UAS threats but also lays the groundwork for broader airspace and spectrum awareness applications. This diverse infrastructure is designed to cater to various defense, homeland security, and critical infrastructure scenarios, enhancing the overall security landscape for the nation.

Conclusion

With this prestigious award, Hidden Level solidifies its position as an industry leader in passive radar and RF detection technologies. The company's commitment to innovating solutions tailored for national defense reflects the ongoing efforts to adapt to modern warfare challenges. As the landscape of aerial threats rapidly changes, the introduction of advanced sensing technology becomes imperative for ensuring the safety and security of U.S. airspace.