Fortem's DroneHunter 5.0: The Pentagon's New Answer to Swarm Attacks

LINDON, UT – January 20, 2026 – Fortem Technologies, a leader in airspace security, has commenced customer deliveries of its DroneHunter® 5.0, a next-generation autonomous interceptor drone designed specifically to combat the escalating threat of coordinated drone swarm attacks. The system’s deployment marks a significant milestone, underscored by its recent selection by the Pentagon's counter-UAS task force for an operational purchase under the high-priority Replicator-2 initiative, signaling a new phase in modern air defense.

The Evolving Threat: From Single Drones to Coordinated Swarms

The nature of aerial warfare is being rapidly redefined. Recent conflicts, particularly in Ukraine, have served as a stark proving ground for the tactical power of unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The threat has evolved from single, remotely-piloted drones to sophisticated, coordinated swarms that can operate as a unified entity. These swarms are capable of executing synchronized maneuvers, overwhelming traditional air defense systems through sheer numbers, and operating effectively even under electronic attack.

Modern drone swarms leverage artificial intelligence for autonomous coordination, enabling them to saturate airspace, confuse radar, and adapt to countermeasures in real-time with minimal human oversight. This shift presents a formidable challenge for military forces and domestic security agencies alike, creating an urgent need for defensive systems that can counter not just one, but multiple threats simultaneously. The development of such counter-swarm technology is now a critical component of a burgeoning arms race where advanced software and autonomous capabilities are paramount.

A Technological Leap in Autonomous Defense

In response to this new reality, the DroneHunter® 5.0 represents a clean break from its predecessors, delivering what Fortem describes as step-change improvements in autonomous decision-making, speed, and maneuverability. Designed and manufactured entirely in the United States, the fifth-generation interceptor incorporates years of operational feedback from real-world deployments.

The new model is equipped with dual onboard cameras and significantly enhanced computing power. This allows it to autonomously engage multiple targets without constant human intervention, a critical feature for countering a swarm. The system integrates seamlessly with Fortem’s SkyDome® command-and-control software, which can now coordinate up to five DroneHunter 5.0 interceptors against five simultaneous threats. This manned-unmanned teaming architecture is designed to be scalable, allowing security forces to deploy a proportional response to an incoming attack.

“The drone threat has evolved dramatically, and we’re ensuring that Fortem’s technology stays ahead of it,” said Jon Gruen, CEO of Fortem Technologies. “The enhanced autonomous capabilities of the fifth-generation DroneHunter allow security forces to counter not just single drones, but coordinated swarm attacks – the kind of threats we’re seeing deployed in conflict zones today and potentially over civilian airspace tomorrow.”

The Pentagon's Strategic Bet on Replicator-2

The selection of DroneHunter for the Pentagon's Replicator-2 initiative is a powerful endorsement of the system's maturity and strategic importance. Led by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), Replicator-2 is a fast-track program designed to rapidly field proven commercial technologies to address urgent operational needs, specifically countering small UAS threats. By cutting bureaucratic red tape, the initiative aims to move effective solutions from testing to scaled deployment at unprecedented speed.

Fortem's system was chosen for the program's first operational purchase, validating its readiness for real-world military application. A key factor in this decision is the system's focus on minimizing collateral damage, a crucial requirement for homeland defense and operations in complex environments. The Pentagon's bet on the DroneHunter platform highlights a broader strategic shift towards leveraging agile, commercially-developed solutions to maintain a technological edge against rapidly evolving threats.

Securing Civilian Skies with Low-Collateral Interception

Beyond the battlefield, the DroneHunter 5.0 is engineered for versatile application in sensitive civilian environments. Its core mitigation method is a patented entanglement-based capture system. Rather than using explosives or projectiles, the DroneHunter fires a tethered net to ensnare a hostile drone. Once captured, the interceptor can safely tow the unauthorized drone to a designated, secure location for disposal or forensic analysis.

This low-collateral approach is critical for protecting areas where debris from a mid-air explosion could endanger people or property. Potential applications include safeguarding critical infrastructure like power plants and reservoirs, securing major public events such as concerts and sporting competitions, and protecting airports from dangerous drone incursions. The system's autonomy also reduces operator workload and extensive training requirements, enabling security teams to respond rapidly. Fortem is notably the only company authorized to deploy a drone-on-drone kinetic interceptor in U.S. airspace, a testament to the system's safety and reliability.

A Competitive Edge in a Crowded Market

The counter-UAS market is expanding rapidly, with projections estimating its value will reach nearly $5 billion by 2027. Fortem Technologies operates in a competitive landscape alongside companies like Dedrone, DroneShield, and Epirus, all offering various detection and mitigation solutions ranging from radio-frequency jamming to directed energy. However, Fortem has carved out a distinct position through its kinetic, low-collateral capture method and its strong backing from strategic investors.

Key financial and strategic partners include aerospace and defense giants Lockheed Martin, Hanwha Aerospace, and Toshiba, as well as prominent venture capital firms like DCVC. These partnerships provide not only capital but also deep industry expertise and global market access, positioning Fortem to scale its production and technology. To further enhance field reliability and capability, the DroneHunter 5.0 features a redesigned airframe for faster setup and an optional four-net-gun configuration, doubling its capture capacity for the most demanding missions.