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The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) conducted tests in Alaska on small, long-range attack drones from AV and Dragoon, aiming to identify and mass-purchase affordable commercial UAS. The tests, part of Project Artemis, revealed challenges in navigating bureaucratic hurdles and achieving expected performance under electronic warfare conditions. Neither drone performed as hoped, highlighting the US military's lagging drone capabilities compared to competitors. The DIU's struggle to find an acquisition partner for Artemis underscores the difficulty of rapidly integrating commercial drones into military operations, despite recent Pentagon reforms aimed at streamlining the process.

Prepared by Jonathan Pierce and reviewed by editorial team.