The contract, managed by the Army’s Program Executive Office for Intelligence, Electronic Warfare, and Sensors (PEO IEW&S), involves ten companies, including Leidos, QinetiQ, and TCOM, which will compete for task orders under this programme
The United States Army has entered into a significant contract valued at up to USD 4.2 billion to enhance its intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities through the deployment of advanced aerostat-tethered airships. These systems, known as Persistent Surveillance Systems–Tethered (PSS-T), are designed to operate at altitudes reaching 15,000 feet, providing continuous monitoring over extensive areas. Equipped with sophisticated sensors, these airships aim to bolster the Army’s situational awareness and address emerging threats in the modern battlefield.
The contract, managed by the Army’s Program Executive Office for Intelligence, Electronic Warfare, and Sensors (PEO IEW&S), involves ten companies, including Leidos, QinetiQ, and TCOM, which will compete for task orders under this programme. The initiative reflects a strategic shift towards leveraging lighter-than-air platforms for persistent surveillance, offering a cost-effective and low-maintenance alternative to traditional drones and satellites.
Historically, aerostats have been utilised in conflict zones such as Iraq and Afghanistan for communication relay and movement tracking. However, their role has evolved to meet contemporary challenges, particularly in response to incidents like the 2023 Chinese surveillance balloon, which highlighted vulnerabilities in U.S. airspace monitoring. Brandon Pollachek, a spokesperson for PEO IEW&S, remarked, “Balloons have long served in military surveillance roles. This programme updates that legacy to confront today’s threats, from stealth aircraft to cyber warfare.”
The PSS-T systems are part of a broader effort to enhance the Army’s ISR capabilities, integrating with other sensor technologies to provide real-time threat detection and situational awareness. These aerostats can support various missions, including base defence, convoy protection, counter-IED operations, and border security.
International interest in aerostat-based surveillance systems has also grown. In 2024, Poland signed an agreement with the United States to procure four aerostat-based early warning radar systems, valued at approximately USD 1.2 billion. These systems are intended to monitor Poland’s north-eastern borders, enhancing the country’s air defence and coastal observation capabilities. The contract includes related logistics and programme support, with the systems expected to be fully operational by 2027.
The adoption of aerostat technology by both the U.S. Army and international partners like Poland underscores a growing recognition of the need for persistent, cost-effective surveillance solutions in an era of evolving security threats. As these systems become more integrated into national defence strategies, they are poised to play a crucial role in maintaining situational awareness and responding to emerging challenges in the global security landscape.
