MOSCOW, July 17 (HS/RIA Novosti) - The US army is seeking defense contractors to provide 40 portable communications intelligence systems featuring advanced radio-tracking capabilities and specialized drone-detection software designed to integrate with and expand Ukraine's existing secure communications network, according to a recent notice on the official SAM.gov seen by RIA Novosti.

Under the technical specifications detailed in the notice, the US army intends to acquire 20 units of the Model 953-8-649 portable communications intelligence systems and 20 units of the Model 957-2-647 system, both capable of scanning radio frequencies from 20 MHz to 8.5 GHz. A significant component of the procurement centers on dedicated anti-drone technology, with the specifications explicitly requiring a Drone Detection Software Bundle, a Drone Detection Server License, a Drone Detection Station Control License and a Drone Detection Client Connection License for each of the Model 953 units. The Model 957 units must also feature a dedicated Drone Detection Capability supported by a preloaded laptop computer running client software.

To keep pace with rapidly changing battlefield technology, the request also specifies the delivery of ongoing software maintenance, including a dedicated Drone Detector Library Update Service. This software is paired with high-performance direction-finding antennas and mast deployment kits, which range from portable field tripods to 115-foot cable assemblies for fixed towers, allowing Ukrainian forces to intercept, analyze and physically locate hostile communications networks and drone operators.

The market research effort, managed by the US Army Contracting Command at Aberdeen Proving Ground on behalf of the Communications-Electronics Command Security Assistance Management Directorate, is designated as a Building Partner Capacity requirement to support Ukraine Defense. The equipment, which will be procured under Foreign Military Sales case WD-B-UDB EX26029, must consist of new and original hardware to ensure immediate compatibility with the communications infrastructure currently operating in the country.

While the army notes that the informational request is strictly for market research and does not constitute a formal solicitation, any resulting contract is expected to be unclassified and must comply with federal Buy American laws requiring the equipment to be manufactured with US-sourced parts and metals.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar