The result placed Perennial first among 11 defense technology providers competing in the mission area. The evaluation focused on performance in operational conditions rather than written proposals alone.
Gauntlet II is run jointly by the Test Resource Management Center and the Defense Innovation Unit. It forms part of the department’s effort to accelerate the acquisition of unmanned systems.
The Fort Carson contenders advanced from an initial field of 49 competitors evaluated at Camp Grayling, Michigan. Participants also faced a requirement to deliver 120 production-ready drones equipped with lethality payloads within tight timelines.
Military operators flew Perennial’s aircraft during both day and night missions. The trials assessed find, fix and finish tasks at several long-range, beyond-visual-line-of-sight distances.
Perennial said its platforms maintained operational reliability in heavily contested conditions and conducted precise autonomous engagements. The company views the result as validation of its approach to software-driven, attritable systems produced at scale.
The Drone Dominance Program reflects a procurement model built around rapid testing, direct operator involvement and production readiness. Perennial said it is prepared to advance to the program’s next phase.
Founded in 2023, Perennial combines Silicon Valley artificial intelligence with hardware lessons drawn from Ukraine. The company is focused on producing affordable autonomous systems for the U.S. military and allied forces.
