US purchases more than 500 Roadrunner-M interceptor drones

12 October, 2024 An Anduril's Roadrunner UAV during vertical takeoff. Photo by Anduril Anduril Industries has received a contract from the US Department of Defense to supply interceptor drones and electronic warfare equipment.

This was reported by Anduril Industries on its company website. The company has received a contract worth £249,978,466 to supply advanced air defense equipment to the US Department of Defense. Under this contract, more than 500 Roadrunner-M interceptor drones and Pulsar electronic warfare systems will be delivered.

Deliveries will begin in the fourth quarter of 2024 and continue until the end of 2025. The Roadrunner has been deployed for trials in the army since January 2024. The Pulsar electronic warfare system has been in use since August 2023.

Roadrunner-M interceptor drone

In December 2023, the American defense startup Anduril unveiled the world's first reusable modular payload interceptor drone, the Roadrunner. Roadrunner-M is a version of the interceptor drone equipped with a high-explosive warhead. The main task of the drone is to intercept airborne targets such as UAVs, kamikaze drones, cruise missiles, and aircraft.

Anduril's Roadrunner drone is a small twin-engine jet aircraft that can take off vertically to conduct reconnaissance, patrol, and intercept air targets. Its peculiarity lies in the ability to return to the base for refueling and flight to complete the mission if it is not possible to intercept the target on the first flight.

Pulsar EWS

Pulsar EWS. Photo by Anduril

Pulsar is a series of software-focused electromagnetic warfare systems that use artificial intelligence to quickly adapt to the new threats.

The Pulsar's modular form allows for it to be adapted and integrated into ground-based vehicles (Pulsar-V) or equipped with drones and other aircraft (Pulsar-A).

Pulsar EWS in airborne configuration.

Photo by Anduril

Pulsar in a fixed configuration covers either 360 degrees or a single sector.

Multiple stations can be networked to provide adaptive and complete coverage.