Low-Cost One-Way Attack (OWA) Systems

Description

The Joint Rapid Fielding Activity (JRFA) is soliciting solutions for low-cost, mass-producible One-Way Attack (OWA) systems spanning FPV-class through Group 2 UAS categories. This is an Open Challenge with rolling reviews conducted on a quarterly basis; submissions received by the next review window will be evaluated in that cycle. There is no fixed closing date — the challenge remains open until the capability gap is satisfied or the requirement is superseded.

Overall Objective

Identify, evaluate, and accelerate fielding of one-way attack systems that achieve favorable cost-per-effect ratios against a range of target sets — including armored vehicles, soft-skinned logistics, crew-served weapons positions, radar emitters, and field fortifications — at unit costs and production rates that enable mass employment across Indo-Pacific and European theaters.

Problem Statement

The conflict in Ukraine has conclusively demonstrated that low-cost OWA systems — including commercial FPV drones retrofitted with munitions — are decisive on the modern battlefield. Ukrainian forces routinely destroy main battle tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, and logistics trucks using sub-$500 FPV drones carrying RPG warheads or shaped charges. Russian forces have adopted identical tactics. The cost-exchange ratio is roughly 1,000:1 in favor of the OWA system. This is not a future threat scenario; it is the current operating environment.

Desired Solution

Offerors shall propose OWA systems in one or more of the following tiers. Tier 1 (FPV-Class): Maximum range 10 km, flight time ≥10 minutes, warhead capacity ≥0.5 kg, unit recurring flyaway cost (URCF) ≤$10,000 at rate production. Tier 2 (Short-Range Loitering): Range 10–40 km, loiter time ≥30 minutes, warhead capacity ≥1.5 kg, URCF ≤$25,000. Tier 3 (Extended-Range Strike): Range 40–100+ km, loiter time ≥60 minutes or high-speed dash profile, warhead capacity ≥3 kg, URCF ≤$50,000. All cost targets assume production rates of 10,000+ units per year.

Key Attributes

Submission Scoring Rubric