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After Ukraine War Lessons, US Invests $5 Billion in Coyote Drones to Counter UAV Threats
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
The United States has announced plans to purchase Coyote interceptor drones worth more than $5 billion to strengthen its defenses against aerial and maritime drone threats, Defense Express reported on September 30.
The agreement includes not only the drones themselves but also mobile and stationary launch systems as well as Ku-band radars.
According to Defense Express, the contract with Raytheon is valued at $5.039 billion and is scheduled to run until September 28, 2033.
While the number of systems has not been disclosed, the scale of the order indicates that the US military will receive thousands of Coyote units over the next eight years.
The cost of a single Coyote 2C drone is estimated at $125,000. Hypothetically, the full contract amount could purchase more than 40,000 units.
However, much of the funding will be allocated to launchers and radar systems. The US currently produces about 100 interceptors per month, meaning 9,600 could be manufactured over eight years unless production capacity is expanded.
The program will supply Coyotes in two versions: a single-use interceptor for physically destroying enemy drones, and a reusable model designed for reconnaissance or carrying electronic warfare equipment. The drones have already been tested in combat, intercepting more than 170 hostile targets, according to Defense Express.
The US Navy has been deploying Coyote systems on destroyers to enhance protection against aerial and potentially maritime drones.
Tests have also been conducted with launchers mounted on helicopters, Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, and even concepts involving KC-135 refueling aircraft operating as airborne drone carriers.
Russia’s war in Ukraine has highlighted the increasing role of drones on the modern battlefield, with both sides deploying thousands of unmanned systems for surveillance, strikes, and air defense suppression.
The US military has drawn lessons from these operations, accelerating investments in drone countermeasures such as the Coyote program to prepare for future high-intensity conflicts.
Earlier, Defense Express reported that US Special Operations Command signed a contract for Bullfrog autonomous gun turrets—AI-enabled systems capable of intercepting Shahed-type drones at a cost of around $10 per target. The modular turrets, developed by Allen Control Systems, are designed for use on boats and vehicles and may be deployed in Ukraine.
