A new defense technology initiative is aiming to eliminate one of the biggest limitations facing small drones: battery life. The SWARM project, a collaboration between Reach Power and Gambit, has secured funding from the U.S. Department of Defense’s Operational Energy Capability Improvement Fund (OECIF) to develop autonomous drone fleets capable of operating continuously without landing for recharging.

The project combines Reach Power’s wireless power-beaming technology with Gambit’s AI-driven autonomy software. Instead of returning to base or relying on battery swaps, drones can receive targeted radio-frequency (RF) energy while in flight. This allows them to recharge mid-mission and remain operational for extended periods with minimal human intervention.

Figure 1. Wireless Drone.

Overcoming the Battery Barrier

Small Group 1 drones, commonly used for reconnaissance and tactical missions, typically remain airborne for only about 30 minutes on a single charge. Managing large fleets requires significant logistical support, including battery charging, replacement, and transportation—challenges that become even greater in contested environments. Figure 1 shows wireless drone.

SWARM seeks to remove these constraints by enabling drones to autonomously monitor their energy levels, mission priorities, and available charging opportunities. Using AI, each aircraft can dynamically adjust its route and behavior, ensuring the fleet maintains continuous coverage while optimizing energy usage.

Autonomous Energy Management

At the core of the system is the ability for drones to self-manage power resources. Aircraft can navigate to designated locations where wireless energy is transmitted, recharge without landing, and immediately resume their tasks. This approach reduces dependence on ground crews and minimizes operational downtime.

According to Reach Power CEO Chris Davlantes, the technology could fundamentally change drone operations by freeing autonomous systems from the limitations imposed by batteries. Continuous in-flight recharging, he said, opens the door to persistent swarm operations and significantly greater mission endurance.

Gambit CEO Josh Giegel emphasized that the innovation is about more than just longer flight times. By automating energy management and swarm coordination, operators can focus on mission objectives rather than maintaining and sustaining individual drones.

Applications for Persistent Operations

The technology is designed for missions that require long-duration aerial presence, including intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), counter-drone operations, border monitoring, air defense, and force protection. Continuous airborne coverage could provide military and security forces with uninterrupted situational awareness while reducing logistical demands.

Growing Interest in Power-Beaming Technologies

Reach Power specializes in RF-based wireless charging systems for drones, robots, and remote sensors, while Gambit develops AI software that enables coordinated behavior across diverse robotic teams. Their partnership reflects a broader push toward autonomous systems capable of operating with minimal human support.

The OECIF program has identified wireless power transfer as a strategic priority for reducing energy-related operational burdens [1]. Defense officials believe technologies such as SWARM could enhance the effectiveness of autonomous platforms by extending endurance and reducing the risks associated with battery logistics.

If successful, the project could mark a significant step toward persistent drone swarms that remain in the air for days at a time, providing continuous surveillance and operational support without the need for routine landings or battery replacements.

Reference:

1. https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/next-gen-wireless-drone-swarm

Cite this article:

Keerthana S (2026), New Wireless Drone Swarm Stays Aloft Indefinitely, AnaTechMaz, pp.466