The US Department of Defense has signed a $5,04 billion agreement with Raytheon Corporation for the development and delivery of the Coyote counter-drone system, according to an official department announcement.

The contract expires in September 2033. As part of the deal, the company commits to creating an integrated system including fixed and mobile launchers, kinetic and non-kinetic interceptors, and Ku-band radars. These elements will enable the effective detection and destruction of small drones at ranges of up to 16 kilometers.

The Coyote drone, developed by Raytheon as an expendable interceptor, is available in two versions: one designed for direct target engagement, and the other for jamming, reconnaissance, surveillance, targeting, signal relay, and ground attack. The system integrates with the KuRFS radar and is already used by the US Army to defend against drone swarms.

The agreement continues a series of Coyote orders that began in 2018 and underscores the Pentagon's growing focus on counter-drone technologies.