Guardian RF Selected as Finalist in DIU Low-Cost Counter-Drone Sensing Challenge

Guardian RF has been named one of ten finalists in the Department of Defense's Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft System (C-sUAS) Low-Cost Sensing (LCS) Challenge, an initiative led by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) in coordination with U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) and the U.S. Army.

Launched in May 2025, the LCS Challenge attracted 118 submissions from across industry. The effort seeks sensor systems capable of augmenting the Department's layered defense architecture with scalable, cost-effective technologies for use in contested and infrastructure-limited environments.

Guardian RF was selected for its core strength in passive radiofrequency (RF) detection, a sensing approach critical for identifying commercial and modified consumer drones operating with and without cooperative signals. The company's submission features a modular architecture and dynamic signal library, enabling detection and adaptation without reliance on radar or optical systems. The system is designed to scale, update, and integrate at speed, without the infrastructure burden of legacy platforms.

“This selection affirms the value of an adaptable, software-defined approach to drone detection. As commercial UAS threats become more frequent and less predictable, RF sensing provides a foundational layer of awareness—one that scales, updates, and integrates without requiring heavy infrastructure. We're honored to contribute a capability that supports the priorities outlined in the LCS Challenge and meets operational needs across domains.”

Guardian RF's architecture is optimized for low-SWaP, distributed deployment, particularly in environments where affordability, flexibility, and low observability are paramount. Its passive footprint allows wide-area coverage without emitting signals, and its software-defined architecture enables rapid updates as threat profiles evolve.

Finalists will participate in a live demonstration hosted by USNORTHCOM, where their systems will be evaluated in relevant operational environments.

Guardian RF's selection highlights the growing importance of agile, modular sensing capabilities that can be fielded quickly and affordably at the tactical edge.

For more information, visit DIU's official announcement.