# 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. Published 2026-10-31 by TGOs. Canonical: https://tgos.io/news/2026/10/31/navy-cargo-drone-demonstration-could-lead-to-resupply-prototype/ 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] Successful performance during the demonstration may lead to an Other Transaction (OT) prototype agreement; selection to demonstrate does not guarantee an award.[3] The government may award zero, one or multiple OTs.[3] The demonstration is planned within the continental United States in 2027.[3] It will run during the weeks of Jan. 25 through Feb. 5.[3] The first required flight carries 100 pounds 40 nautical miles outbound.[3] The second carries at least 150 pounds 10 nautical miles outbound.[3] Each requires detaching the payload and returning empty to the launch site over the same distance, without refueling.[3] 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.[3] Applications are due Nov. 30, 2026.[3] 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. ยง 4881 and the American Security Drone Act.[3] Naval Aviation Systems Consortium membership is unnecessary to apply or demonstrate, but selectees must join to be eligible for an OT award.[3] ## Why it matters A successfully completed prototype project may lead to a production agreement or contract without further competition.[3] The government may also share flight performance data, upon request, with the Army-managed Drones.Mil Marketplace team.[3] 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. ## Sources 1. SAM.gov special notice NAWCAD-SN-26-TRUASII, Tactical Resupply Unmanned Aircraft System Increment II Cargo UAS Industry Demonstration (posted Oct. 30, 2026) 2. SAM.gov notice version history 3. TRUAS Increment II Demonstration Announcement, Amendment 0001 (SAM.gov, PDF)