Leidos has announced that its team has been selected to enter the final phase of the US Special Operations Command’s (USSOCOM) Armed Overwatch aircraft prototype programme. Leidos, Paramount USA, and Vertex were among five teams awarded a total of US$19.3M for prototype demonstrations and will advance BRONCO II to the Phase III Operational Prototype Demonstration later this month.
The BRONCO II is designed for ultimate mission flexibility. The aircraft’s internal Interchangeable Multi-Mission System Bay (IMSB) allows for a single airframe to be re-configured to perform multiple roles (such as ISR, SCAR, FAC(A) CAS) incorporating high-performance sensors, network communication systems, precision weapons, an electronic self-protection suite and mission planning systems.
Jack Richardson
![The IFPC Inc 2 AD system is intended to defend fixed and forward operating bases against the latest and emerging aerial threats including rotary and fixed-wing, UAVs and cruise missiles, most likely using a second, more capable interceptor. [US Army]](https://euro-sd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/1-IFPC-Increment-2-system-Credit-US-Army-Kopie-218x150.jpg "IFPC Increment 2: Filling the medium-range gap")
