Contracts · Uncrewed logistics
Navy cargo drone demonstration could lead to resupply prototype awards
Applications are due Nov. 30, 2026, for the Navy's cargo drone demonstration within the continental United States.
The Navy is seeking cargo drones for a demonstration that could lead to prototype agreements supporting Marine Corps resupply.1, 3 The Tactical Resupply Unmanned Aircraft System (TRUAS) Increment II notice was posted Oct. 30.1–2
The UAS must complete each required flight without refueling
Tactical Resupply Unmanned Aircraft System Increment II Cargo UAS Industry Demonstration
participating UAS must fly with a 100 lb payload a total of 40 nautical miles (nm), detach the payload (either manually or automatically), fly a return flight of 40 nm with no payload, and land at the original launch site.
During the second flight, participating UAS must fly with a minimum 150 lb payload a total of 10 nm, detach the payload (either manually or automatically), fly a return flight 10 nm with no payload, and land at the original launch site.
Source: TRUAS Increment II Demonstration Announcement, Naval Aviation Systems Consortium. As of Oct. 31, 2026.
Successful performance during the demonstration may lead to an Other Transaction (OT) prototype agreement; selection to demonstrate does not guarantee an award. The government may award zero, one or multiple OTs.3
The demonstration is planned within the continental United States in 2027. It will run during the weeks of Jan. 25 through Feb. 5.3
The first required flight carries 100 pounds 40 nautical miles outbound. The second carries at least 150 pounds 10 nautical miles outbound. Each requires detaching the payload and returning empty to the launch site over the same distance, without refueling. The powerplant threshold calls for heavy fuel such as JP-5, JP-8 or diesel, or a hybrid fuel-battery system.3
Applicants must submit a three-to-five-page technical white paper and completed questionnaire. Applications are due Nov. 30, 2026. Selected participants will receive an email with the venue by Dec. 18.3
Applicants must be U.S.-based and U.S.-owned, using only U.S. manufacturing and repair facilities, or otherwise demonstrate strict compliance with 10 U.S.C. § 4881 and the American Security Drone Act. Naval Aviation Systems Consortium membership is unnecessary to apply or demonstrate, but selectees must join to be eligible for an OT award.3
A successfully completed prototype project may lead to a production agreement or contract without further competition. The government may also share flight performance data, upon request, with the Army-managed Drones.Mil Marketplace team. The notice describes that marketplace as a streamlined, pre-vetted procurement pathway for other Department of War and allied partners.3
Correction, November 4, 2026: An earlier version of this brief said the demonstration would be held in Huntsville, Alabama. A Nov. 2 amendment to the Navy's notice changed the location to within the continental United States, and we updated the link to the announcement.