Picogrid Wins Air Force Deal for AI Drone Defense Tool
Picogrid, a California-based defense technology startup, has secured a $9 million contract from the U.S. Air Force to develop counter-drone software that leverages artificial intelligence. As reported in the article “Picogrid wins $9M Air Force contract for counter-drone software written by AI” published by Breaking Defense, the software harnesses an AI foundation model developed in-house to detect, track, and characterize uncrewed aerial systems (UAS). The effort highlights the Defense Department’s growing commitment to modernize its counter-drone capabilities amid a rapidly evolving threat landscape.
The contract was awarded through the Air Force’s strategic funding mechanism designed to accelerate adoption of dual-use technologies. According to Breaking Defense, Picogrid’s software aims to integrate seamlessly with a range of fielded sensors and weapon systems, making it adaptable to different mission environments. In particular, the system is built to support decision-making in scenarios where drone threats might overwhelm traditional human-led surveillance and response mechanisms.
What sets Picogrid’s approach apart is the AI foundation model at the core of its software suite. Unlike conventional AI tools that are task-specific and require extensive training on narrow datasets, foundation models are trained on vast and varied datasets, allowing for more flexible and powerful pattern recognition. In the defense context, this allows the software to interpret disparate sensor inputs and autonomously identify and characterize potential threats — even if the drones are small, fast-moving, or deliberately designed to evade detection.
Company co-founder and CEO Forrest Meyen told Breaking Defense that the Air Force contract will help Picogrid deploy the system with operational units, contributing directly to the counter-UAS mission in real-world scenarios. He emphasized the speed and scalability of the autonomous software, arguing that systems like theirs are essential to maintaining a tactical edge on increasingly contested battlefields.
The urgency of developing counter-drone solutions has been underscored by recent global conflicts, notably in Ukraine and the Middle East, where drones have proven indispensable in both reconnaissance and offensive operations. Military analysts have warned that the proliferation of commercial and military-grade drones among state and non-state actors poses a persistent challenge to force protection and airspace security.
Picogrid’s AI-powered system will reportedly be tested and refined within Air Force operational contexts, with potential expansion into joint service use if successful. The company has previously supplied integrated sensing and communication platforms to U.S. military customers, and this latest award signals a growing confidence in Picogrid’s ability to transition cutting-edge technologies from lab to field.
The investment also aligns with broader Department of Defense initiatives to harness artificial intelligence to augment warfighter capabilities. While the use of AI in defense settings has raised ethical and operational concerns, officials maintain that well-designed systems can enhance situational awareness without replacing human judgment.
As Picogrid moves to implement its AI-driven counter-drone platform, the company finds itself at the nexus of technological innovation and national defense strategy. The Air Force contract represents not only a financial vote of confidence but also a signal of how the U.S. military envisions confronting the next chapter of aerial threats — where autonomous systems will increasingly meet autonomous adversaries.
