U.S. Air Force Seeks Small Kamikaze Drones for Special Operations Forces

The U.S. Air Force is seeking small one-way attack drones for its special operations, aiming to enhance capabilities for specialized missions. An RFI details requirements including a range of at least 10 kilometers, a fragmentation warhead, and GPS guidance. The goal is to develop a drone system operable by a single operator and ready for launch in under three minutes, integrating advanced connectivity features.

Published Mar 19, 2026

The U.S. Air Force is pursuing small one-way attack drones for its special operations forces, as outlined in a Request for Information due April 17. The drones are required to have a minimum range of 10 kilometers and ideally over 20 kilometers, with a fragmentation warhead weight of 1.5 to 3 kilograms and flight times of 15 to 30 minutes.

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Key features include GPS guidance, 4G/LTE/5G connectivity, and a weight limit of 30 pounds for the initial system. The drones are intended for use by AFSOC Special Tactics Teams, providing them with a strike capability for various missions. The focus on drone technology comes as UAVs become increasingly prevalent in modern conflicts.