Defense & Military
Vigilant Aerospace Selected for USAF EWAAC Drone Management Contract
Oklahoma-based Vigilant Aerospace joins $46B Air Force program to enhance uncrewed aircraft safety through FlightHorizon detect-and-avoid technology.
The integration of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) into national airspace is one of the most pressing challenges in both civilian and military aviation. As drone operations expand in frequency, complexity, and scale, ensuring their safe coexistence with manned aircraft becomes a mission-critical goal. In this context, the U.S. Air Force’s selection of Vigilant Aerospace Systems, Inc. as a preferred vendor under the $46 billion Enterprise-Wide Agile Acquisition Contract (EWAAC) marks a significant milestone.
Vigilant Aerospace, a U.S.-based company specializing in airspace management and detect-and-avoid (DAA) technologies, has been tapped to support the Air Force’s modernization of airspace operations. Their flagship software, FlightHorizon, leverages multi-sensor inputs and real-time data processing to enhance situational awareness for uncrewed aircraft. This development not only underscores the growing importance of automated airspace management but also signals the Department of Defense’s commitment to integrating autonomous systems into active duty operations.
The Enterprise-Wide Agile Acquisition Contract (EWAAC) is a multiple-award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract managed by the U.S. Air Force. With a ceiling of $46 billion through 2031, the contract is designed to accelerate the research, development, and deployment of cutting-edge weapons systems and supporting technologies. EWAAC emphasizes digital engineering, agile development, and open systems architecture—principles that align with the rapid evolution of autonomous capabilities.
Vigilant Aerospace was selected during EWAAC’s fourth round of awards, joining 122 companies tasked with pushing the boundaries of innovation. The scope of work includes system modeling, prototyping, testing, and fielding of novel technologies. In this framework, FlightHorizon’s capabilities are expected to play a pivotal role in uncrewed flight operations, offering real-time DAA and airspace integration solutions.
According to Zach Peterson, Director of Business Development at Vigilant Aerospace, “FlightHorizon fills an important technical gap for managing large-scale autonomous flight operations across a range of locations and scenarios, making it an ideal platform for the US Air Force’s needs.”
“As the US Air Force embraces autonomous capabilities, we’re honored to play a role in helping them achieve this significant step forward,” Zach Peterson, Vigilant Aerospace
FlightHorizon is built on NASA-patented algorithms and integrates data from multiple sensors, including radar, ADS-B, and telemetry feeds. The platform provides visual and auditory collision alerts, enabling operators to maintain safe separation from other aircraft. This is particularly critical for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, where manual oversight is limited or impractical.
The software adheres to industry standards and is designed for scalability, making it suitable for diverse operational environments—from military test ranges to urban air mobility corridors. Its modular design allows for rapid adaptation to new hardware and mission requirements, aligning with EWAAC’s agile development philosophy.
Recent updates to FlightHorizon include enhanced sensor fusion algorithms and improved user interfaces, which support more intuitive decision-making in high-stakes environments. These features enable the Air Force to deploy uncrewed systems with greater autonomy and reduced operational risk. The selection of Vigilant Aerospace under EWAAC is more than a procurement decision—it reflects a strategic pivot toward integrating uncrewed systems into the core of military operations. The U.S. Air Force is increasingly relying on autonomous aircraft for surveillance, logistics, and tactical missions, all of which require robust airspace management solutions.
By incorporating FlightHorizon into its operational toolkit, the Air Force gains a scalable, field-tested platform that supports both current and future mission profiles. This positions Vigilant Aerospace as a key player in the evolving landscape of defense technology.
The global UAS market is experiencing rapid growth, with projected compound annual growth rates (CAGR) ranging between 15-20% over the next decade, according to multiple industry reports. This surge is driven by applications in defense, agriculture, logistics, and infrastructure inspection. However, the integration of these systems into shared airspace remains a significant hurdle.
Effective airspace management is essential for realizing the full potential of UAS. This includes not only DAA capabilities but also airspace clearance automation, route planning, and regulatory compliance. FlightHorizon addresses these needs by offering a unified platform that supports both strategic and tactical decision-making.
Vigilant Aerospace joins a competitive field that includes companies such as AirMap, Skyward (a Verizon company), and Thales. What sets Vigilant apart is its deep integration with government programs, including previous collaborations with NASA and the FAA, and its focus on scalable, sensor-agnostic solutions.
The EWAAC contract may also influence international standards for UAS integration. As the U.S. military continues to lead in aviation technology, platforms like FlightHorizon could become reference models for allied defense agencies and civil aviation authorities worldwide.
Looking ahead, the convergence of artificial intelligence, edge computing, and advanced networking is expected to further enhance the capabilities of platforms like FlightHorizon. These technologies will enable more autonomous decision-making, faster data processing, and improved resilience in contested environments.
The inclusion of Vigilant Aerospace in the EWAAC contract marks a pivotal moment for both the company and the broader UAS industry. FlightHorizon’s advanced capabilities offer the U.S. Air Force a reliable solution for managing increasingly complex uncrewed operations, aligning with the military’s strategic goals for autonomy, safety, and scalability. As airspace becomes more crowded and mission demands intensify, tools like FlightHorizon will be essential to ensuring that uncrewed systems can operate safely and effectively. Vigilant Aerospace’s role in this transformation underscores the importance of innovation, agility, and collaboration in shaping the future of aviation.
What is the EWAAC contract? What does Vigilant Aerospace do? Why is FlightHorizon important?
Vigilant Aerospace Joins US Air Force EWAAC Contract: A Leap Forward in Uncrewed Airspace Management
FlightHorizon and the EWAAC Contract: Bridging Innovation and Defense
What is EWAAC and Why It Matters
Technology Behind FlightHorizon
Strategic Impact on Defense Operations
Broader Industry and Global Context
Growing Demand for UAS Airspace Management
Competitive Landscape and Future Trends
Conclusion
FAQ
The Enterprise-Wide Agile Acquisition Contract (EWAAC) is a $46 billion IDIQ contract managed by the U.S. Air Force to accelerate the development of innovative weapons systems and technologies.
Vigilant Aerospace develops multi-sensor detect-and-avoid and airspace management software for uncrewed aircraft systems, with a focus on enabling safe and scalable autonomous flight.
FlightHorizon provides real-time situational awareness, collision avoidance, and airspace integration for uncrewed aircraft, making it a vital tool for military and civilian drone operations.
Sources
Photo Credit: Vigilant Aerospace