# Perennial Autonomy California-based AI-enabled counter-drone (counter-unmanned-aerial-systems, C-UAS) startup whose systems are already fielded by US forces. Recipient of a $500M sole-award Pentagon contract on May 19, 2026 from [[JIATF-401]] — see [[Perennial Autonomy $500M JIATF-401 Counter-Drone Contract]]. ## Product Suite - **Merops** — AI-enabled interceptor for kinetic counter-drone engagement - **Bumblebee** — quadcopter drone (small UAS) - **Hornet** — midrange strike drone All three products were already in operational US force use at the time of the May 2026 contract; the award scaled procurement of existing fielded systems rather than funding R&D for new platforms. ## Significance Perennial sits adjacent to the major defense-tech VC ecosystem the KB tracks ([[Anduril]], [[Shield AI]], Saronic, Helsing), but with a different funding profile (less publicly disclosed venture activity) and a tighter operational focus on counter-drone systems. The $500M [[JIATF-401]] award places it among the top-tier counter-UAS recipients alongside Anduril and signals that JIATF-401 has become a meaningful procurement vehicle in its own right. ## See Also - [[Perennial Autonomy $500M JIATF-401 Counter-Drone Contract]] - [[JIATF-401]] - [[Department of Defense]] - [[Anduril]]