U.S. Army Evaluates JLTV-Based RAD Counter-Drone System

Why It Matters

A mobile, low‑cost counter‑drone capability gives battalion‑level units a practical way to defeat inexpensive one‑way attack drones, reducing reliance on pricey missile systems and enhancing force protection.

Key Takeaways

• RAD system mounted on JLTV for mobile counter‑drone capability.
• AI‑driven turret detects and engages one‑way attack drones.
• Uses existing JLTV chassis, lowering procurement and logistics costs.
• Tested in Lithuania’s Project Flytrap alongside layered UAS defenses.
• Addresses low‑cost drone threat seen in Ukraine conflicts.

Pulse Analysis

The proliferation of inexpensive one‑way attack drones has reshaped battlefield risk, especially after their extensive use in Ukraine. Traditional air‑defense solutions—missile‑based interceptors—often cost more per shot than the drone they target, making them unsustainable for widespread fielding. The RAD system’s AI‑enhanced radar and turret address this mismatch by providing a rapid, affordable means to detect, track, and neutralize small UAVs before they reach critical assets, delivering a scalable solution for forward‑deployed forces.

Partnering SAIC’s systems‑integration expertise with Kongsberg’s Norwegian counter‑UAS heritage, the RAD package leverages the JLTV’s proven mobility and logistics footprint. By mounting the turret on a vehicle already in the Army’s supply chain, the program sidesteps the expense of a dedicated chassis, cuts training overhead, and simplifies maintenance. This approach aligns with the Department of Defense’s push for modular, cost‑effective platforms that can be fielded quickly across multiple units without extensive new infrastructure.

Project Flytrap in Lithuania offers a realistic environment to test RAD alongside other emerging counter‑UAS tools, informing future doctrine and acquisition decisions. Successful integration could accelerate the Army’s shift toward layered, organic drone defense at the brigade and battalion levels, prompting other services and allied nations to consider similar mobile solutions. As the market for low‑cost, AI‑driven air‑defense grows, the RAD system positions the U.S. as a leader in practical counter‑drone technology, potentially shaping export opportunities and standards for next‑generation battlefield protection.