Drone Dominance
Phase III RFS – Deep Strike and Close-Quarters Battle
– Posted September 28, 2026
The Phase III RFS continues two one-way attack mission areas: Deep Strike and Close-Quarters Battle, including urban and subterranean environments. The RFS describes more complex mission scenarios and requirements for integrating commercial and Government-provided lethality solutions. It sets out a standard path beginning with a pitch deck and live flight evaluation, and a separate path for eligible Gauntlet II winners. Vendors advancing to the production sprint must deliver systems for Gauntlet III.
Previous Drone Dominance RFS Releases
The Department of War’s Drone Dominance Program invited companies to compete for prototype delivery orders across separate phases. The Government used live competitions to assess mission performance and production capability. The closed Requests for Solutions (RFSs) below show what was sought in each phase; participation in an earlier phase was not required to compete in a later one.
For current program updates, participating vendors, and Gauntlet results, visit the official Drone Dominance website.
Phase I — One-Way Attack sUAS
The initial RFS sought low-cost, one-way attack small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) that could be produced at scale from a resilient supply chain. Military operators flew qualifying systems during Gauntlet I. The RFS details the mission scenarios, evaluation of system performance and operator feedback, consideration of supply chain and production capabilities, and requirements for prototype deliveries following the Gauntlet.
RFS closed: January 13, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET.
Phase II — Long-Range Strike and Tactical Assault in Close Quarters
Phase II sought one-way attack sUAS for two mission areas: long-range strike and tactical assault in close quarters. Vendors could submit to either area or both. The RFS details the mission and integrated payload requirements, an application and qualifier, a production and delivery test, Gauntlet II, and requirements for prototype deliveries following the competition.
RFS closed: May 8, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET.
Phase 2.5 — Mission C: Reusable Bomber/Dropper Platforms
Mission C sought reusable bomber/dropper platforms for long-range strike, adding a third mission area to Drone Dominance. The RFS details the mission objectives, payload delivery and targeting requirements, a vendor-operated qualifier and military-operated Gauntlet, evaluation criteria, and requirements for prototype deliveries following the competition.
RFS closed: August 10, 2026, at 12:00 PM ET.
KEY DOCUMENTS
Phase III RFS: Deep Strike and Close Quarters Battle
- NEW: Phase III Request for Solutions Revision 1
- Attachment A: Mandatory Section 889 Representation
- Attachment B: Vendor Pitch Template
- Attachment C: Required Application Attachments
- Weaponized UAS Software Safety Program
- Vendor’s Guide to Data Requirements for Weaponized UAS Safety Concurrence
- Q&A Batch 1
- Q&A Batch 2
Closed Opportunities Documents:
PROJECT TIMELINE
Phase III RFS: Deep Strike and Close Quarters Battle
- Request for Solutions Released: September 28, 2026
- Questions Submission Deadline: October 7, 2026 12:00 PM ET
- Q&A Batch 1 Posted: October 7, 2026
- Q&A Batch 2 Posted: October 9, 2026
- RFS Submission Deadline: October 13, 2026 5:00 PM ET
