Colorado Springs, CO – Nov. 24, 2025 – Mountain Horse Solutions, in partnership with S3Werx and Argus Industries, is proud to announce that its integrated counter–unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) solutions are a winner in the U.S. Army’s xTechCounter Strike competition, and the team has been awarded $350,000 in prize funding to continue advancing this critical capability. The technology portfolio the team showcased – most of which are combat proven and in operation – centered on ease of use for rapid adoption, advanced sensing and improved lethality for warfighter survivability, commercial technology for cost-effectiveness, right-to-repair capability for simplified sustainability and a modular open systems architecture (MOSA).
Held in Germany last week in front of an international audience of armed forces and media, the U.S. Army’s xTechCounter Strike initiative is helping to accelerate the development of technology and solutions for defeating the rapidly evolving threats posed by small UAS. This year’s competition challenged industry participants to demonstrate adaptive, mission-ready solutions capable of supporting soldiers and joint partners in complex, contested environments.
Mountain Horse Solutions and its partners showcased a responsive, integrated technology suite, drawing from S3Werx’s rapid–deployment platforms and Argus Industries’ advanced sensing and seeker systems. Multiple components were integrated to deliver maximum effectiveness for the warfighter, and this combined approach emphasizes modularity, rapid threat adaptation and operational simplicity for soldiers at the tactical edge.
“With this award, the U.S. Army is recognizing our solutions and investing in our continued collaboration and shared dedication to supporting the warfighter. Our partners at S3Werx and Argus Industries brought exceptional capability and creativity, enabling us to respond rapidly to the Army’s needs and offer meaningful, field-relevant solutions,” said Richard Budniewski, director of UAS/C-UAS Programs at Mountain Horse Solutions. “We are incredibly proud of our team and the remarkable effort that went into achieving this recognition and award from the U.S. Army. What sets this accomplishment apart is not only the innovation behind the technology, but the speed and commitment shown by everyone involved.”
Four key categories underwent soldier training and evaluation over the course of two weeks, and the Mountain Horse Solutions, S3Werx and Argus team submitted across all four capabilities:
1. Passive UAS Detection: ARGUS Tsukarok – A hand-sized, body-worn detection device detects military-grade UAS at ranges up to 1.5km and integrates with ATAK for precise geolocation.
2. Offensive/Defensive UAS Operations: S3 WERX FD-1 Interceptor – An FPV/autonomous interceptor drone capable of speeds up to 165mph, configurable for kinetic or non-kinetic engagements against ground or air targets.
3. UAS Defeat Systems: ARGUS STING (anti-radiation jammer seeker) – A platform-agnostic, bolt-on system that activates when jamming is detected, locks in on the jammer source, and neutralizes it (with kinetic payload equipped). Also, ARGUS MEPF (Modular Explosive Proximity Fuse) System – a modular proximity fuse providing a dual-safe arming solution for UAS-deployed munitions, configurable for both ordnance drop missions and one-way ordnance deployment, providing one fuse for all UAS missions.
4. Training and Resilience: S3 WERX TTS-27 – Group 1 target drones for training scenarios.
The xTechCounter Strike competition, led by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology, or ASA (ALT), challenged industry and academia to deliver cutting-edge solutions that enhance soldier protection, survivability and operational advantage. The Global Tactical Edge Acquisition Directorate (G-TEAD), stood up by the office, also participated and judged the competition. More than 200 companies applied to this year’s challenge, 15 finalists were invited to compete in the culminating event in Germany and just four teams were ultimately recognized as winners and awarded prize money to continue development.
A G-TEAD Marketplace has also been established as a flexible acquisition vehicle and innovation platform designed to accelerate delivery of operationally ready equipment and software, and Mountain Horse Solutions is among the first to be accepted on this unique platform serving the US Army and allied nations.
To learn more about the xTechCounter Strike competition, visit xtech.army.mil/competition/xtechcounterstrike.
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