New designation streamlines procurement of Fortem counter-drone systems for Army and other U.S. agencies
The U.S. Army has selected Fortem Technologies as one of the first defense companies admitted to its new Global Tactical Edge Acquisition Directorate (G-TEAD) Marketplace, a contracting framework designed to speed advanced technology to operational units.
The designation gives Army organizations and other U.S. Government agencies a faster way to buy Fortem’s counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) solutions, including the DroneHunter® interceptor and SkyDome® airspace awareness system.
A New Pathway for Rapid C-UAS Procurement
Under Fortem’s agreement with the G-TEAD Marketplace, eligible Army units and other U.S. Government agencies with contracting authority can acquire Fortem products without additional competition. That structure is intended to reduce delays often associated with traditional procurement cycles.
The Marketplace is part of a broader Army effort to modernize acquisition. The framework is designed to move technology from industry to the field more quickly, support rapid testing and iteration, and enable follow-on production under authorities such as 10 U.S.C. § 4022(f).
Certain NATO and allied agencies may also be able to order through the Marketplace, subject to applicable laws and security agreements. That capability could help align C-UAS tools across partners facing similar small drone threats.
“Transformational” for Getting Tech to the Tactical Edge
Fortem Technologies CEO Jon Gruen said the decision changes how quickly front-line users can access counter-drone tools.
“This is transformational for our customers and for the mission of saving lives,” said Fortem Technologies CEO Jon Gruen. “The Department of the Army has created a new model for getting critical technology to the tactical edge, and Fortem is honored to be among the first companies selected. G-TEAD gives commanders a way to procure proven C-UAS capabilities like DroneHunter® and SkyDome® in weeks rather than years – which means they can field what they need at the pace the threat is evolving.”
For commanders and program offices, the Marketplace may reduce both the administrative burden and the time required to move from requirement to fielded capability. For a threat environment where small drones are evolving quickly, shorter timelines can be a critical factor.
How G-TEAD Fits Into Army Modernization
The G-TEAD Marketplace is described as a central component of the Army’s sweeping acquisition modernization effort. The framework is built to:
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Push more decision-making closer to field units.
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Accelerate testing and feedback from operational users.
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Support rapid scaling of systems that perform well in real-world conditions.
Fortem’s admission signals that its autonomous counter-UAS systems have passed Army vetting and met competitive standards needed for rapid expansion under the program.
The company plans to work closely with Army Contracting Command, capability leads, and operational units as G-TEAD expands across theaters and mission sets. That collaboration is expected to help align future product development and upgrades with emerging operational needs.
Fortem’s C-UAS Portfolio
Fortem develops autonomous airspace security solutions designed to detect, track, and defeat unauthorized or hostile drones in complex environments.
The company’s AI-powered SkyDome® Family of Systems brings together:
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TrueView™ radar and sensor technology.
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Command-and-control software for airspace awareness.
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DroneHunter® interceptors for autonomous drone-on-drone engagement.
The company states that it is the only provider authorized to deploy a drone-on-drone kinetic interceptor in U.S. airspace. Its technologies have been used in operational deployments in Ukraine, the Middle East, and East Asia, supporting military, government, and commercial customers.
Headquartered in Lindon, Utah, Fortem is privately held and backed by investors including Lockheed Martin, DCVC, Toshiba, AE Industrial Partners, AIM13, and Signia Venture Partners.
Implications for Government and Allied Customers
For U.S. Army units, the G-TEAD Marketplace offers a new channel to bring Fortem’s systems into base defense, maneuver support, and other mission profiles where small drones pose a risk.
Other U.S. Government agencies with ordering authority can also use the same framework. That may make it easier to align C-UAS acquisitions across different parts of the federal government.
For select NATO and allied partners, access under applicable agreements could help standardize C-UAS architectures and training. Shared tools and similar systems can make it easier to coordinate operations and share lessons learned from real-world deployments.
As the Army continues to refine its acquisition processes, the G-TEAD Marketplace is likely to serve as a test case for how quickly emerging technologies can transition from development to routine use in the field. Fortem’s early participation places its C-UAS portfolio within that effort to speed adoption of counter-drone capabilities.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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