The United States has launched a marketplace for drones and their components for military use, called the “Unmanned Aircraft Systems Marketplace” (UASM), as reported by the specialized site Militarnyi. This new initiative is likely inspired by Ukrainian solutions such as Brave1 Market platforms and DOT-Chain Defense.
Developed in collaboration with Amazon Web Services and the US Army’s Cloud Technology Management Agency, UASM aims to enable military units, government partners, and allied countries to more efficiently acquire proven drone solutions.
The digital platform “offers tools for users to compare system functionalities, provide direct feedback, and easily place orders,” the army website states.
More than just a digital showcase, UASM “represents a major departure from traditional, slower acquisition methods and is a key element of the US Army’s goal to transform its procurement process,” it adds. With this competitive and transparent environment, the platform promotes innovation, expands the industrial base, and offers a wider range of drone capabilities to meet the changing requirements of the modern battlefield.
According to Clair Gill, director of portfolio acquisitions for maneuver aviation, UASM is a decisive turning point in acquisition approach and a pillar of the army aviation modernization strategy. “This new agility allows us to equip our soldiers with the unmanned technologies they need to maintain superiority on a complex battlefield,” he assures.
This new “marketplace” also allows users to compare prices and drone features, as well as directly contact manufacturers to enhance products.
