Challenge to focus on three key missions and their related specific operational constraints as identified by operators
Washington, DC (June 2, 2025) – Emerging threats from peer and near-peer uncrewed systems (UxS) have reshaped the character of war, necessitating the development of new solutions at a faster pace. Warfighters require UxS systems today to meet urgent operational needs. The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is using a new and agile process to evaluate new technologies, involve warfighters early in development, and advance the prototyping, iterating and fielding of technologies that can deliver operational advantage at speed.
Project G.I. will more rapidly identify, assess, iterate and then integrate “ready now” autonomous solutions at scale for participating units. Platforms of interest include Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) and supporting items.
“Today, warfighters lack the unmanned systems needed to train for combat and prevail if called upon to use them,” said Doug Beck, director of DIU. “DIU is laser focused on getting best-of-breed technology in the hands of the warfighter today and scaling it for training,adoption, and readiness. Our team continues to partner with military operators for hands on testing, evaluation, and feedback. Doing this at speed will in turn help catalyze the necessary scaling and readiness through major acquisition and training efforts across the Services that will deliver strategic impact - and will simultaneously support the flywheel of American private sector dynamism in delivering against that strategic need.”
Project G.I. improves upon current programs of record by incorporating end-user feedback and slashing delivery timelines that can stretch years into the future. The effort will tap into high Technical Readiness Level (TRL) solutions in the small and medium uncrewed system industry, with a focus on less exquisite platforms well suited for rapid adaptation to military needs.
Project G.I. is open for submissions now through December 31, 2025. Submissions should feature mature, mission-ready capabilities that can participate in live evaluations within three months of this solicitation’s release. A prize funding pool of $20M will be awarded across the three Design Reference Missions (DRM’s) noted in the full Challenge details, pending Congressional notification.
An “Ask Me Anything” webinar will be held to interested participants on June 17, 2025 from 2-3pm ET.