Parsons has successfully demonstrated its integrated counter-unmanned aircraft system (CUAS) capabilities, showcasing a unified architecture that connects sensing, command and control (C2), AI-enabled decision support, and kinetic response. The demonstration highlighted the company's approach to expediting the full kill chain from detection to mitigation, enabling earlier threat awareness and faster coordinated response in high-tempo environments. This integration is designed to provide defense, homeland security, and civil stakeholders with scalable solutions ranging from single-site protection to regional and theater defense architectures.

The full kill chain demonstration utilized Parsons' DroneArmor™ AI-enabled C2, which fused data from HurleyIR electro-optic infrared (EO/IR) sensors and DroneShield's electronic warfare sensors and commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) radars. The system autonomously mitigated threats using Allen Control Systems' Bullfrog, an autonomous remote weapon station capable of employing various kinetic effectors. This configuration validated the ability to execute the counter-drone kill chain in an operational environment, underscoring the effectiveness of integrating detection, C2, and response options into a unified framework.

Parsons' integrated CUAS architecture is supported by its TAK-X technology, which enables shared geospatial awareness for real-time coordination across agencies, and its Intelligent NETworks® (iNET®) Smart Mobility Platform, which provides secure, resilient communications across distributed operations. These systems translate multi-domain sensor data into coordinated, AI-enabled action at machine speed, improving decision superiority. The TAK-X technology resulted from Parsons' acquisition of Chesapeake International Technology (CTI), while iNET® is an award-winning traffic management solution deployed globally to transportation agencies.

In addition to its integrated solutions, Parsons offers industry-leading CUAS capabilities such as BlueFly® for RF-based detection and early warning, SmartCam3D™ for EO/IR visualization and advanced analytics, and TReX® for flexible land or afloat defeat and deception. The company's vendor-agnostic approach enables rapid integration of best-in-class capabilities without vendor lock-in, allowing customers to adapt and scale as mission requirements evolve. This open architecture is complemented by proprietary capabilities like ZEUS® for directed energy precision engagement.

Parsons accelerates the development and deployment of these capabilities through operational environments such as the Parsons CUAS Center of Excellence in Summit Point, West Virginia, and the United States Air Force (USAF) Ramstein Air Defense Systems Integration Laboratory (RADSIL) in Germany. These facilities allow for rapid prototyping, integration, and validation in mission-relevant conditions, aligning with the Department of War's (DoW) emphasis on speed of procurement for emerging technologies. Parsons also provides systems engineering and testing to counter missile threats, ensuring integrated, layered sensing, C2, and engagement capabilities for all ranges and phases of flight.

Parsons Corporation has secured an additional $73 million contract in support of the Air Force Research Laboratory's (AFRL) Global Application Research, Development, Engineering and Maintenance (GARDEM) mission. This award is the fourth contract received by Parsons in 2026, bringing the total value of its awards for the program to $218 million. The contract reinforces the company's position as a provider of mission-critical digital and data-centric capabilities for the U.S. Air Force.

The latest award expands Parsons' responsibilities for research and development and operations and maintenance (O&M) across GARDEM 2 enterprise platform and mission application software baselines. This scope includes Platform and Mission Application support for field sites and existing installations. Parsons will also lead the migration of capabilities to its Lightweight Application Management Platform (LAMP), a lean, scalable environment designed to accelerate global mission deployment while reducing lifecycle cost.

Technical Approach and Integration

Parsons' technical approach emphasizes technology reuse and deep integration across all GARDEM 2 awards. This strategy allows for rapid capability updates while lowering total ownership cost for the government. A key strength of this approach is the utilization of C2Core components in the GARDEM Platform LAMP. Coupling with this operational system creates integration points and a streamlined support structure, allowing for cross-training and surge support between all customers on the GARDEM 2 efforts.

Strategic Impact

The GARDEM awards build on Parsons' growing portfolio of artificial intelligence, data, software, cyber, and mission engineering all-domain solutions supporting America's warfighters. The company's integrated platform strategy combines modern software practices, proven C2Core components, modular data layers, and proven mission knowledge to drive long-term program scalability. By intentionally designing GARDEM 2 for reuse, integration, and rapid adaptation, Parsons enables AFRL and the Air Force to deploy advanced capabilities faster, at lower cost, and with greater operational impact.