OVERVIEW: Perdix is a small, air‑launched micro‑drone used in swarms for autonomous surveillance, reconnaissance, and decoy missions. Introduced in 2016–2017 via F/A‑18 (and F‑16) flare dispensers, it operates collectively using distributed autonomy to perform adaptive mission tasks.

DETAILS: Perdix derives from a 2013 MIT‑Lincoln Laboratory prototype and was adopted by the U.S. Strategic Capabilities Office. Each ~290 g drone has a 165 mm fuselage, 300 mm wingspan, rear‑mounted propeller, and battery power. It is launched from F/A‑18 Super Hornet flare dispensers in groups over 100 units and flies in swarms with collective decision‑making, adaptive formations, and self‑healing capabilities. Mainly used for low‑altitude ISR, reconnaissance, and decoy roles, it provides a cost‑effective, distributed system to overwhelm or confuse enemy defenses.

FUNCTION: After ejection at ~Mach 0.6 and conditions as low as −10 °C, Perdix drones navigate autonomously using onboard software to locate each other, distribute tasks, and form mission‑defined patterns. They share situational data within the swarm to adapt to drone losses and continue the mission. 

NOTE:
IOC: 2016 (first F/A‑18 launch – October 2016)
Operators: United States
Platforms: F/A‑18E/F Super Hornet (confirmed); F‑16 (initial tests) 
Conflict used in: No confirmed combat deployment as of mid‑2025
Others: Sixth generation hardware/software by 2016; production scale‑up via DIUx to 1,000 units planned

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Defense press release: “Department of Defense Successfully Demonstrates Micro‑Drone Swarm” (Jan 9, 2017) https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/1044811/department-of-defense-announces-successful-micro-drone-demonstration/ ; SAE article “Perdix overwhelming numbers and success” (Jan 2017) https://www.sae.org/news/2017/01/perdix‑overwhelming‑numbers‑and‑success ; Defense One “DoD ramps micro‑drones after successful ‘swarm’ test” (Jan 13, 2017) https://www.defenseone.com/defense-systems/2017/01/dod-ramps-micro-drones-after-successful-swarm-test/191734