AUSA 2026: US Army buys more air-to-air C-UAS interceptors

Mountain Horse Solutions makes the FD-1 for both air-to-air counter-unmanned aerial systems intercepts and for strikes against ground targets (Mountain Horse Solutions)

The US Army's tech accelerator organisation Global Tactical Edge Acquisition Directorate (G-TEAD) has awarded a new contract for Mountain Horse Solutions new FD-1 interceptor, the company announced on 12 October.

Mountain Horse Solutions, a subsidiary of Global Ordnance, was first awarded a contract for 300 of its quadcopter counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) FD-1 interceptors through G-TEAD earlier this year. The second order is 385 interceptors, said Richard Budniewski, Jr, director of the UAS/C-UAS programmes for the company on 12 October.

The company is on schedule to deliver the remaining weapons on the contract by November 2026, he said.

After an operational assessment of the first 40 UAS earlier this year, G-TEAD gave the company nine different factors it wanted improved. Mountain Horse Solutions has made 13 upgrades to hardware in total, including adding thermal cameras and increasing range and endurance, said Budniewski.

FD-1 can fly at speeds more than 165 mph (265.5 kph) against Group 1, 2, and 3 UAS, according to a company specification sheet. The fastest the systems have ever flown in test is about 195 mph (313.5 kph), said Budniewski. It also has a range of more than 20 km, according to a company brochure.

In addition to air-to-air interceptors, FD-1 can also strike ground targets, including armoured vehicles, said Budniewski. The next operational assessment for the FD-1 interceptor will be with 10 ^th Mountain Division that will be more focused on ground strikes, Budniewski added.