US forces are set to receive 6,000 STRIKER combat drones from XTend AI Robotics under an order valued at more than $40.5 million. The company secured the contract after being named a top performer in the second Gauntlet evaluation under the Pentagon’s Drone Dominance Program. The STRIKER systems will use XTend’s XOS software platform, which the manufacturer describes as a human-guided autonomous operating system. XOS is designed to integrate human input with automated functions, helping operators manage drone missions while reducing the need for physical interaction with the aircraft. The procurement demonstrates the US Department of Defense’s continued interest in combat drone systems and software-enabled operating concepts. Selection through the Gauntlet 2 assessment has positioned XTend to supply a substantial number of systems for US military use. The reported contract value exceeds $40.5 million, covering the 6,000-dronе order.
