Defense officials have tapped Picket Defense Systems to demonstrate advanced kinetic capabilities against close-range drone threats.
The Defense Innovation Unit selected the company for Phase II of the C-UAS Close-In Kinetic Defeat Enhancement program on June 9, 2026. The effort falls under the Remote Weapon System Enhancement track.
Picket's Inferno RTC rotating turret system offers zero aiming latency during engagements. The design supports a 40-meter assured-kill zone against unmanned aerial systems operating at close range.
Live demonstrations will take place this month. DIU personnel along with Department of Defense evaluators will assess the system's performance in realistic scenarios.
Bo Jardine, who serves as AFNI at Picket Defense Systems, highlighted the achievement. "We've been down-selected by the DIU for their C-UAS Close-In Kinetic Defeat Enhancement program – Part 2: Remote Weapon System Enhancement," Jardine said.
The selection reflects ongoing efforts to refine kinetic options for countering drone activity. Close-in threats often require immediate physical response when softer measures prove insufficient.
Rotating turret mechanisms enable continuous tracking and engagement without the delays associated with fixed or slower systems. This capability proves essential when dealing with agile small unmanned aircraft in restricted airspace.
Law enforcement units including sheriff offices and highway patrol agencies encounter increasing drone activity. Technologies validated through such programs can translate to enhanced tools for protecting public safety and critical assets.
The Defence Blog reported the DIU decision on the same day as the announcement. Dylan Malyasov shared details via an X post, while Picket Defense Systems and Bo Jardine posted confirmations on LinkedIn.
Phase II testing will provide critical data on system reliability and integration potential with existing security frameworks. Results could influence future procurement decisions for counter-drone solutions across multiple agencies.
Kinetic defeat systems complement other counter-unmanned aerial system measures such as detection sensors and electronic jamming. The combination creates a comprehensive defense posture suitable for fixed sites and mobile operations.
The 40-meter zone allows operators to engage threats before they reach protected perimeters. This margin supports decision making under time pressure.
Picket Defense Systems has positioned the Inferno RTC as a specialized solution for these demanding requirements. The turret's engineering emphasizes speed and accuracy in dynamic environments.
With demonstrations imminent, stakeholders await performance outcomes that could shape the next generation of security technologies for drone mitigation.
