Israeli Start-Up Kela Selected as Winner in U.S. Drone Lethality Challenge

Israeli defense-tech start-up Kela Technology has been named one of five winners of the Defense Innovation Unit’s Drone Dominance Program Lethality Challenge. The Lethality Challenge focuses on cost-effective, mass-producible lethal payloads for small drones. Other winners included Bravo Ordnance, Kraken Kinetics, Mountain Horse Solutions, and Northrop Grumman.

The Defense Innovation Unit announced that each winner will receive a $10,000 cash prize and be placed on a preferred munitions solutions list for Gauntlet II applicants. In December, the Department of War announced plans to purchase $1 billion worth of small lethal drones over two years.

U.S. companies can manufacture low-cost systems at scale to meet military demand. Kela participated in the second Gauntlet challenge.

II had to supply 120 one-way attack drones, at least 30 training munitions, 10 lethal munitions, and 20 night-vision systems. Platforms must comply with NDAA specifications and exclude Chinese batteries or motors. Missions tested locating and engaging targets at ranges up to 20 kilometers and in close-quarter settings such as buildings, trenches, and tunnels.

Systems must operate in jammed electromagnetic environments and deliver lethal payloads. Kela’s systems are designed for single-soldier operation and incorporate open-architecture software. Co-founder and president Hamutal Meridor said the company’s software enables collaboration that directly empowers soldiers.