Fortem Technologies has received approval to sell its advanced counter-drone systems directly to the US Army through the newly established Global Tactical Edge Acquisition Directorate (G-TEAD) Marketplace. This innovative contracting framework is designed to expedite the deployment of critical technologies to operational units, streamlining the acquisition process.
With this designation, Army organizations, alongside other US government agencies with the requisite contracting authority, can swiftly procure Fortem products, including the DroneHunter and SkyDome systems, without the need for additional competitive bidding. This significant development also opens the door for certain NATO and allied agencies to place orders under existing laws and security agreements, ensuring rapid access to effective counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) technology.
Fortem Technologies’ CEO, Jon Gruen, highlighted the importance of this new approval, stating that it grants commanders the ability to acquire proven C-UAS capabilities in a matter of weeks instead of years. This rapid procurement aims to keep pace with the evolving nature of threats faced by military units.
As defense marketplaces increasingly gain traction globally, they are transforming the way innovative technologies are delivered to military users. In the United Kingdom, for instance, the Defence and Security Accelerator operates the Ideas Marketplace. This platform facilitates collaboration among innovators, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), academic institutions, and defense stakeholders, allowing them to post ideas, seek partners, and connect with procurement and innovation authorities.
On a broader scale, NATO is working on the Cyber Security Dynamic Marketplace (CSDM), which will create a flexible framework for member states. This initiative aims to provide access to a pool of qualified cybersecurity vendors across various domains, including application security, threat analytics, and organizational resilience.
Ukraine has emerged as a notable case in this trend, having launched the Brave1 Market and DOT-Chain defense marketplace. These platforms empower military units to browse and directly order equipment from a catalog that includes drones, electronic warfare systems, and more. This open defense-tech marketplace enhances the ability of frontline units to quickly acquire both commercial and military-grade technology, circumventing the slower, traditional procurement channels.
As the dynamics of warfare continue to evolve, the establishment of such marketplaces signifies a shift toward more agile and responsive defense procurement processes, enabling military forces to effectively counter emerging threats.
