CACI International is a U.S. defense and IT contractor that developed SkyValor (formerly called Merlin), an autonomous counter-UAS “detect and defeat” system validated by jiatf-401 for Joint Force-wide use in June 2026 (src-defensescoop-autonomous-cuas-approved-2026-06).
SkyValor System
SkyValor is a fully autonomous, trailer-mounted C-UAS platform capable of:
- Non-kinetic defeat via RF jamming at ranges exceeding 40 miles
- Kinetic net-capture of drones at up to ~4-mile range
- Automated 24/7 “sense and shoot” algorithms
- Coverage from small FPV drones up to the largest UAS group classifications
- Operable “at various classification levels from any location”
JIATF-401 validated SkyValor on June 7, 2026 following a two-day test at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, conducted alongside Joint Task Force–Southern Border and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
CACI did not disclose contract terms; referred press to Pentagon public affairs.
$500M Contract (July 2026)
On July 31, 2026, JIATF-401 awarded CACI a contract worth up to $500M, moving SkyValor into full-rate production. CEO John Mengucci was quoted on the award; a separate, undisclosed contract covers a truck-integrated SkyValor variant. (src-caci-skyvalor-counter-drone-contract-2026-07)