USAF Special Operations issues RFI for lightweight, long‑range one‑way FPV attack drones

The RFI targets lightweight, unit‑level FPV one‑way loitering munitions with reported ranges of ~12+ miles, signalling an operational requirement for affordable, organic strike options at the small‑unit scale. See recent unit‑level FPV inquiries for context (source:6eb49813-59d0-4131-8302-d1f764f66991).

This procurement request follows institutional moves to formalize one‑way drone operations and stand up forces to develop doctrine and tactics for expendable unmanned strike systems, indicating the USAF is moving from experimentation toward acquisition (source:68805460-f2a5-4b24-8cc1-4af156f90ae3).

Industry and international developments show rapid maturation of long‑range loitering munitions and swarm/autonomy capabilities, which will affect sourcing, competition and integration choices for the program (see recent Baykar demonstrations and European loitering‑munition procurements for background) (source:7f3141a1-c676-46cd-8d93-848b9a156160) (source:032476d7-80bb-4efa-b8bc-a526aed9f0e0).