Tag:

Counter-UAS

U.S. military conducting counter-drone testing with layered air defense systems at a testing range

Joint Interagency Task Force 401 Advances Counter-UAS Capabilities Through Layered Defense Testing at U.S. Base

by Daniel Mercer (TheDefenseWatch) May 2, 2026

written by Daniel Mercer (TheDefenseWatch)

Executive Summary
Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JITF-401) has conducted counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) testing at a U.S. military base to refine layered air defense capabilities. The initiative focuses on integrating kinetic and non-kinetic systems to counter increasingly complex drone threats. The effort reflects a broader push to adapt U.S. air defense doctrine to low-cost, high-volume unmanned systems.

JITF-401 Conducts Counter-UAS Testing to Enhance Layered Air Defense

Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JITF-401) has carried out a series of counter-UAS evaluations aimed at improving the U.S. military’s ability to detect, track, and neutralize unmanned aerial threats. Conducted at a controlled U.S. base environment, the testing campaign focused on validating a layered defense architecture designed to counter both individual drones and coordinated swarm attacks.

The exercise brought together multiple government agencies and defense stakeholders, reflecting the growing need for interagency coordination in addressing drone threats that span military, homeland security, and civilian domains.

Integrated Systems Approach to Counter Drone Threats

The testing emphasized a multi-layered defense concept, combining kinetic interceptors with non-kinetic solutions such as electronic warfare and directed energy.

Key components evaluated include:

Short-range air defense systems for rapid kinetic engagement
Electronic warfare (EW) tools to disrupt drone communications and navigation
Directed energy weapons (DEWs) for low-cost, repeatable engagements
Advanced radar and sensor fusion for early detection and tracking
Command and control (C2) integration for real-time threat response

This layered approach aims to provide redundancy and scalability, ensuring that if one system fails or is saturated, others can compensate.

Technical Advantages of Layered Counter-UAS Systems

The testing highlighted several operational benefits over legacy air defense approaches:

Ability to counter low-altitude, slow-moving targets often missed by traditional radar
Reduced cost-per-engagement using non-kinetic systems like EW and lasers
Improved response times through automated detection and tracking
Enhanced resilience against swarm attacks
Integration of multi-domain data sources for better situational awareness

Comparison: Layered Counter-UAS vs Legacy Air Defense Systems

Capability	Layered Counter-UAS Systems	Legacy Air Defense Systems
Range	Short to medium (optimized for low-altitude threats)	Medium to long-range (optimized for aircraft/missiles)
Payload	Mixed (kinetic + non-kinetic)	Primarily kinetic interceptors
Status	Under active development and testing (2026)	Operational but limited against drones
Key Technology	EW, DEWs, AI-enabled sensors, C2 integration	Radar-guided missiles, gun systems

Addressing the Evolving Drone Threat Landscape

The rise of low-cost unmanned systems has reshaped the threat environment. Adversaries increasingly deploy commercially derived drones, modified for reconnaissance or attack roles. In recent conflicts, drone swarms have demonstrated the ability to overwhelm traditional air defenses.

JITF-401’s testing reflects a shift toward cost-effective, scalable solutions capable of addressing these asymmetric threats. The integration of non-kinetic capabilities is particularly important in reducing reliance on expensive interceptors.

Strategic Context: Adapting to Modern Warfare

The counter-UAS initiative aligns with broader U.S. defense priorities to counter peer and near-peer adversaries employing unmanned systems at scale. Drone proliferation has expanded across regions, including the Middle East and Eastern Europe, where unmanned platforms are used for surveillance, targeting, and direct attack.

By advancing layered air defense, the U.S. aims to:

Protect forward operating bases and critical infrastructure
Maintain air superiority in contested environments
Counter hybrid warfare tactics involving unmanned systems
Reduce operational costs associated with traditional missile defense

The work of JITF-401 underscores the growing importance of integrated air and missile defense (IAMD) frameworks that extend beyond conventional threats to include drones and loitering munitions.

Outlook

As testing continues, JITF-401 is expected to refine system interoperability and expand the range of threats addressed. Future efforts will likely focus on AI-driven targeting, improved sensor fusion, and enhanced autonomy in threat response.

The results of these tests will inform procurement and deployment decisions, shaping the next generation of U.S. counter-UAS and layered air defense capabilities.

May 2, 2026 0 comments

AeroVironment Unveils Halo_Shield™ To Counter Drone Swarms And Cruise Missile Threats

by Daniel Mercer (TheDefenseWatch) April 29, 2026

written by Daniel Mercer (TheDefenseWatch)

AeroVironment Unveils Halo_Shield™ To Counter Drone Swarms And Cruise Missile Threats

AeroVironment, Inc. has introduced Halo_Shield™, a new tile-based counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) that the company says fundamentally repositions how military and critical infrastructure operators defend against massed aerial threats.

🛡 KEY FACTS AT A GLANCE

AeroVironment (NASDAQ: AVAV) announced Halo_Shield™ on April 28, 2026, at the Modern Day Marine exposition in Washington, D.C.
The system uses a distributed, tile-based architecture comprising five domain-specific tiles: Sentinel, Terrestrial, Nautical, Aerial, and Celestial.
Halo_Shield™ is designed to detect, track, identify, and defeat Group 1–5 UAS, coordinated drone swarms, and subsonic cruise missiles.
The system integrates AV’s LOCUST® laser weapon, Switchblade® loitering munitions, and Titan® RF C-UAS sensors, among other OEM components.
Powered by AV_Halo™ unified software, Halo_Shield™ is deployable as portable fly-away kits and integrates with existing C2 frameworks.

The announcement came at the Modern Day Marine exposition at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. — a venue that signals the system’s alignment with Marine Corps and ground force priorities as the Pentagon accelerates counter-drone modernization.

The Threat That Drove the Design

The drone threat environment has changed rapidly. Conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have demonstrated that low-cost, mass-produced unmanned systems can overwhelm traditional point defense architectures — exposing critical assets and forward-deployed forces to sustained attrition.

AeroVironment’s Halo_Shield™ is engineered to predict, detect, track, identify, and defeat advanced airborne threats including Group 1 through 5 UAS, coordinated drone swarms, and subsonic cruise missiles, protecting critical infrastructure and deployed forces worldwide.

That breadth of coverage — from small commercial quadcopters up to full-scale cruise missiles — reflects the reality that modern adversaries do not restrict themselves to a single threat vector.

What Is the Tile-Based Architecture?

The defining feature of Halo_Shield™ is its modular, distributed tile design. Rather than deploying a single, monolithic defensive system, AV has structured the platform around five domain-specific tiles:

The tile architecture comprises Sentinel, Terrestrial, Nautical, Aerial, and Celestial tiles, each delivering a specialized combination of sensors, effectors, and command-and-control capabilities. avinc

Each tile functions as a self-contained unit but is designed to snap together with other tiles to extend coverage, accelerate engagement timelines, and adapt to evolving mission requirements without requiring full system redesign or force retraining.

Halo_Shield™ is deployable as portable fly-away kits and integrates seamlessly with existing customer sensors, effectors, and command-and-control frameworks — delivering scalable, resilient, area-wide protection with minimal training and personnel demands.

This plug-and-play approach is a deliberate break from legacy C-UAS architectures, which typically require significant infrastructure investment and dedicated operator teams.

Integrated Weapons and Sensors

Halo_Shield™ is not a sensor-only platform. The tile architecture integrates a tailored mix of sensors and effectors from AV and its trusted partners, including AV’s LOCUST® laser weapon system, Switchblade® loitering munitions, and Titan® 4 and Titan MS RF C-UAS systems, among others.

The inclusion of directed energy — specifically the LOCUST® laser — alongside kinetic options like Switchblade® gives operators a layered response menu. Directed energy offers cost-per-shot advantages against small UAS at scale, while loitering munitions address more capable threats requiring a kinetic solution.

With AV_Halo™ COMMAND, each tile can operate independently or be rapidly combined to extend detection ranges, accelerate the kill chain, and expand coverage across large geographic areas for preferential engagement.

The AV_Halo™ software backbone is significant. It positions Halo_Shield™ as a living system — one that can absorb new sensors, effectors, and algorithms as the threat environment evolves, rather than requiring costly hardware replacement cycles.

Leadership Assessment

AV’s senior leadership was direct about what is driving the system’s development.

Wahid Nawabi, Chairman, President, and CEO of AV, stated that cheap, massed, and coordinated aerial systems are stressing traditional point defenses, and that Halo_Shield™ represents a collaborative, modular approach designed to close those gaps.

Larry Lloyd, Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at AV, described each tile as a self-contained capability that can operate independently or combine with others to build exactly the defense architecture a mission demands — allowing operators to scale, adapt, and reconfigure in real time as threats evolve.

That operational flexibility is increasingly non-negotiable. In contested environments, the ability to rapidly reconfigure a defensive architecture without retraining personnel or acquiring new hardware represents a measurable force multiplier.

Strategic Context: Why This Matters Now

The timing of Halo_Shield™’s debut is not coincidental. The U.S. Department of Defense has made counter-UAS modernization a top acquisition priority following lessons learned from Ukraine, Red Sea shipping lane drone attacks, and emerging swarm tactics demonstrated by near-peer adversaries.

Halo_Shield™ directly addresses the capability gaps that Pentagon planners have flagged: the inability of point-defense systems to handle simultaneous, multi-axis, low-cost drone attacks against fixed and semi-fixed assets.

The system is designed to support emerging homeland defense priorities by enabling resilient, area-wide protection of high-value U.S. and allied partner assets, including borders, military installations, and other critical infrastructure.

The reference to homeland defense and border protection is notable — it signals that AV is positioning Halo_Shield™ not just for expeditionary military use, but for domestic security applications where drone threats to infrastructure are a growing concern.

AV is currently demonstrating capabilities and has deployed Halo_Shield™ tiles at select critical sites. That language suggests field testing is already underway, though AV has not disclosed specific locations or government partners involved in the current demonstrations.

What Comes Next

More information about each tile — Sentinel, Terrestrial, Nautical, Aerial, and Celestial — will be released in upcoming announcements.

That staged disclosure approach suggests AV intends to maintain momentum around Halo_Shield™ through a series of capability reveals, likely timed to major defense exhibitions and contracting cycles.

For defense analysts, the open architecture design and OEM supplier integration model are worth watching closely. By building Halo_Shield™ as a system-of-systems platform rather than a closed proprietary solution, AV is positioning itself to compete across a broader range of government C-UAS program requirements — including those that mandate multi-vendor interoperability.

Industry Significance

The C-UAS market has become one of the most competitive segments in the defense technology sector. Rivals including Dedrone (now part of Axon), Epirus, Anduril, and Leonardo DRS are all fielding or developing scalable counter-drone architectures targeting similar mission sets.

AV’s differentiator with Halo_Shield™ is the depth of its organic effector portfolio. Unlike many C-UAS competitors that rely solely on third-party weapons integration, AV can draw on its own Switchblade® loitering munitions and LOCUST® directed energy capabilities — giving the company tighter control over system performance and sustainment.

The tile model also reduces procurement risk for customers. Operators can begin with a single tile configuration and expand coverage incrementally as budgets and requirements evolve — a significant advantage in constrained defense spending environments.

April 29, 2026 0 comments

Aerospace & Aviation Military Aircraft

Honeywell Aerospace Unveils Airborne Counter-UAS System To Counter Growing Drone Threat

by Daniel Mercer (TheDefenseWatch) April 1, 2026

written by Daniel Mercer (TheDefenseWatch)

¦ KEY FACTS AT A GLANCE

Honeywell Aerospace and Odys Aviation are jointly developing an airborne counter-UAS system.
The system is designed to detect, track, and neutralize drones from an airborne platform.
Integration will focus on Odys Aviation hybrid-electric aircraft concepts.
The solution aims to extend counter-drone coverage beyond ground-based systems.
Development reflects growing demand for layered air defense against small UAS threats.

Honeywell Airborne Counter-UAS System Targets Expanding Drone Threat

The Honeywell airborne counter UAS system is at the center of a new collaboration between Honeywell Aerospace and Odys Aviation, aimed at addressing the rapid proliferation of unmanned aerial systems across modern battlefields.

Announced via industry sources, the partnership focuses on integrating advanced counter-drone capabilities into an airborne platform, marking a shift away from traditional ground-based defenses. The move comes as military forces increasingly face low-cost, highly maneuverable drone threats in contested environments.

Unlike static counter-UAS systems, the airborne approach is designed to provide extended range, improved detection angles, and greater operational flexibility.

Expanding Counter-Drone Coverage Into The Air Domain

The Honeywell airborne counter UAS system is expected to combine detection, tracking, and mitigation technologies into a single airborne architecture. While detailed specifications remain limited, Honeywell’s expertise in avionics, sensors, and electronic warfare systems is likely to form the backbone of the solution.

Odys Aviation, known for its hybrid-electric vertical takeoff and landing concepts, will provide the aircraft integration platform. This suggests a system designed for endurance, lower acoustic signatures, and flexible deployment.

From an operational standpoint, airborne counter-UAS platforms offer several advantages:

Wider surveillance coverage compared to ground systems
Ability to track low-flying drones in complex terrain
Faster response times against dynamic threats
Reduced dependence on fixed infrastructure

This aligns with evolving military requirements, particularly in environments where drones are used for reconnaissance, targeting, and strike missions.

Strategic Context: Rising Demand For Counter-UAS Capabilities

The development of the Honeywell airborne counter UAS system reflects a broader shift in defense priorities. Conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East have highlighted how small drones can overwhelm traditional air defenses.

According to multiple defense analyses, including reports from organizations such as the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), layered counter-UAS strategies are becoming essential. These typically combine:

Electronic warfare systems
Kinetic interceptors
Directed energy solutions
Airborne surveillance platforms

The Honeywell-Odys effort appears to address a key gap in this layered approach, namely persistent airborne coverage against low-altitude threats.

Integration With Hybrid-Electric Aviation Concepts

A notable aspect of the program is its integration with hybrid-electric aircraft technology. Odys Aviation’s platform is designed to support long-endurance missions while reducing fuel consumption and operational costs.

This could have several implications for military users:

Extended loiter time for counter-drone patrols
Lower thermal and acoustic signatures
Reduced logistics footprint in forward areas

While hybrid-electric propulsion is still emerging in defense applications, its pairing with counter-UAS missions suggests a focus on sustainability and operational efficiency alongside combat capability.

Operational Impact And Future Use Cases

If successfully developed, the Honeywell airborne counter UAS system could support a wide range of missions, including:

Protection of forward operating bases
Maritime security and fleet defense
Border surveillance and homeland security
Urban counter-drone operations

The airborne nature of the system also makes it suitable for expeditionary forces, where rapid deployment and mobility are critical.

From a U.S. perspective, such capabilities could complement existing counter-UAS programs across the Department of Defense, particularly in scenarios involving near-peer adversaries or asymmetric threats.

Analysis: Closing A Critical Capability Gap

The Honeywell airborne counter UAS system highlights a growing recognition that ground-based defenses alone are insufficient against modern drone threats.

Airborne systems can bridge coverage gaps, especially in complex terrain or urban environments where line-of-sight limitations hinder traditional radars and jammers. By elevating sensors and effectors, these platforms can detect and engage threats earlier.

However, challenges remain. Integrating counter-UAS payloads onto airborne platforms requires balancing power, weight, and endurance constraints. Additionally, rules of engagement and airspace deconfliction will play a critical role in operational deployment.

Despite these hurdles, the direction is clear. Defense forces are moving toward multi-domain counter-drone architectures, and airborne systems are becoming a key component of that strategy.

April 1, 2026 0 comments

Global News

General Dynamics Unveils Autonomous HPM Counter-UAS System With Epirus And Kodiak AI

by Samuel Drake (TheDefenseWatch) March 26, 2026

written by Samuel Drake (TheDefenseWatch)

■ KEY FACTS AT A GLANCE

► General Dynamics Land Systems partnered with Epirus and Kodiak AI to unveil an autonomous HPM counter-UAS system.
► The system integrates high-power microwave technology to disable drone swarms without kinetic interceptors.
► Autonomous driving capability enables unmanned operation in contested or high-risk environments.
► Designed to counter growing UAV threats across military bases, maneuver forces, and critical infrastructure.
► Reflects broader U.S. shift toward scalable, non-kinetic, and autonomous air defense solutions.

Autonomous HPM Counter-UAS System Marks Shift In Drone Defense

The autonomous HPM counter-UAS system unveiled by General Dynamics Land Systems in partnership with Epirus and Kodiak AI represents a significant step in the evolution of counter-drone warfare.

Announced via official company release, the system combines high-power microwave technology with autonomous mobility, aiming to address the rapid proliferation of small unmanned aerial systems across modern battlefields.

Unlike traditional air defense systems that rely on missiles or guns, this platform uses directed energy to disrupt or disable drone electronics at scale. That approach reduces cost per engagement and avoids the logistical burden of interceptors.

Directed Energy Meets Autonomous Mobility

At the core of the system is Epirus’ high-power microwave capability, designed to neutralize multiple drones simultaneously. This is particularly relevant as militaries face increasingly complex drone swarm threats, where conventional defenses can be overwhelmed.

The integration of autonomy from Kodiak AI allows the platform to operate without a human driver. This enables deployment in high-risk or forward areas while reducing personnel exposure.

General Dynamics Land Systems provides the vehicle platform and system integration, leveraging its experience in armored and tactical mobility systems.

The result is a mobile, unmanned counter-UAS asset capable of operating as part of layered air defense networks.

Operational Relevance In Modern Conflicts

The emergence of the autonomous HPM counter-UAS system reflects lessons observed in recent conflicts, where low-cost drones have demonstrated outsized battlefield impact. From reconnaissance to loitering munitions, UAVs now challenge both static bases and maneuver units.

Traditional countermeasures, including kinetic interceptors and electronic warfare, remain effective but face scalability issues. Missile-based systems are costly, while jamming can be limited by spectrum congestion or countermeasures.

High-power microwave systems offer a different approach. By targeting drone electronics directly, they can engage multiple threats in a single pulse, making them well suited for swarm scenarios.

The addition of autonomy further enhances operational flexibility. Unmanned systems can be pre-positioned, remotely supervised, or integrated into broader autonomous force structures.

Strategic Implications For U.S. Defense

The autonomous HPM counter-UAS system aligns with broader U.S. Department of Defense priorities focused on layered air defense and emerging technologies.

Directed energy has long been viewed as a promising solution for countering drones, cruise missiles, and other low-cost threats. Programs across the services continue to explore both laser and microwave-based systems.

This collaboration between industry players highlights a trend toward modular, rapidly deployable solutions. By combining existing technologies, companies can accelerate fielding timelines compared to traditional acquisition programs.

There is also a clear emphasis on autonomy. As the U.S. military moves toward distributed operations, autonomous systems are expected to play a larger role in force protection and logistics.

Industry Collaboration And Technology Integration

The partnership between General Dynamics Land Systems, Epirus, and Kodiak AI reflects increasing convergence between defense primes and technology firms.

Epirus has focused on scalable directed energy solutions tailored for counter-UAS missions. Kodiak AI brings commercial autonomous driving expertise, adapted for military applications. General Dynamics integrates these capabilities into a deployable platform.

Such collaborations are becoming more common as defense programs seek to incorporate commercial innovation, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence and autonomy.

Outlook For Counter-UAS Systems

The introduction of the autonomous HPM counter-UAS system underscores the growing importance of non-kinetic solutions in air defense.

As drone threats continue to evolve, militaries are likely to adopt a mix of kinetic and non-kinetic systems to ensure resilience. High-power microwave systems offer a scalable option, especially against massed or low-cost threats.

While operational deployment timelines were not disclosed, the system reflects a clear direction in U.S. and allied defense planning.

Future developments will likely focus on improving range, power efficiency, and integration with command-and-control networks.

March 26, 2026 0 comments

Aerospace & Aviation Military Aircraft

Belgium Trials F-16s With Laser-Guided Rockets For Counter-UAS Defense

by Daniel Mercer (TheDefenseWatch) March 13, 2026

written by Daniel Mercer (TheDefenseWatch)

¦ KEY FACTS AT A GLANCE

Belgium is testing laser-guided rockets on F-16 fighter jets to intercept small drones.
Trials involve precision-guided rocket systems designed to engage low-cost aerial threats.
The effort reflects NATO’s growing focus on countering unmanned aerial systems.
Testing supports operational evaluation of cost-effective air defense options.
Results may influence future European counter-drone defense strategies.

Belgium Trials F-16 Laser-Guided Rockets For Counter-UAS Missions

Belgium F-16 laser-guided rockets are being tested as part of a counter-UAS capability effort aimed at addressing the growing threat posed by small unmanned aerial systems. The Belgian Air Force is evaluating the use of precision-guided rockets launched from its F-16 fighter aircraft to intercept hostile drones at a lower cost than traditional air-to-air missiles.

The initiative reflects a broader shift across NATO militaries toward scalable counter-drone solutions as unmanned systems proliferate on modern battlefields.

The Big Picture

Small drones have become a defining feature of modern warfare. Conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have demonstrated how low-cost unmanned systems can disrupt conventional military operations.

NATO air forces traditionally rely on advanced air-to-air missiles to engage aerial targets. These weapons are highly effective against aircraft but can prove inefficient against small drones due to cost and target size.

A single missile can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Many small drones cost only a few thousand dollars or less.

This mismatch has driven NATO militaries to explore alternative interception methods, including laser-guided rockets, electronic warfare systems, and directed-energy weapons.

Belgium’s F-16 counter UAS capability trials fall directly within this broader effort to develop cost-effective drone defense tools.

What’s Happening

The Belgian Air Force recently conducted trials using laser-guided rockets mounted on F-16 fighter aircraft to engage unmanned aerial targets.

The testing evaluates whether these precision-guided rockets can reliably intercept small drones during flight operations.

The rocket systems are based on a concept that converts unguided 70 mm rockets into precision-guided weapons using laser guidance kits. Pilots can designate a target with a laser system, allowing the rocket to home in with improved accuracy.

F-16 Fighting Falcon
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- Generation: 4th
- Maximum Speed: Mach 2.0 (1,500 mph)
- No. of Engines: 1
- Radar Range: ~160 km (AESA)
- View Details →
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According to defense reporting, the Belgian Air Force aims to determine whether this approach provides a viable counter-UAS capability for operational use.

Testing involves simulated engagements against aerial targets representing small unmanned systems.

The trials support ongoing NATO experimentation with layered counter-drone defenses.

Why It Matters

Laser-guided rockets offer a significantly cheaper interception method than traditional air-to-air missiles.

An air-to-air missile like the AIM-120 AMRAAM can cost more than one million dollars depending on the variant. In contrast, guided rocket systems are far less expensive.

AIM-120 AMRAAM Missile
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- Guidance System: Active Radar Homing, Inertial Navigation
- Maximum Speed: Mach 4+
- Launch Compatibility: F-15, F-16, F/A-18, F-22, F-35
- Warhead Technology: High-Explosive Fragmentation
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This cost difference becomes critical when confronting large numbers of low-cost drones.

Military planners increasingly expect future conflicts to involve drone swarms, loitering munitions, and reconnaissance UAVs operating simultaneously.

Using fighter aircraft armed with laser-guided rockets could provide a flexible airborne defense layer capable of neutralizing these threats before they reach critical infrastructure or frontline forces.

For NATO air forces operating legacy fighter platforms such as the F-16, the approach also extends the utility of existing aircraft fleets.

Strategic Implications

Belgium’s experiment highlights an emerging trend in NATO airpower doctrine.

Air forces are adapting traditional fighter aircraft roles to address new threat environments dominated by unmanned systems.

Airborne counter-UAS missions could complement ground-based defenses such as short-range air defense systems and electronic warfare units.

Fighter aircraft equipped with laser-guided rockets could patrol high-risk areas and intercept drones before they approach sensitive locations such as military bases, ports, or critical infrastructure.

The concept also supports NATO’s layered air defense strategy, which integrates multiple sensors and interceptors across different ranges and altitudes.

If proven effective, the Belgium F-16 laser-guided rockets approach could influence similar programs across other NATO members that still operate F-16 fleets.

Competitor View

Russia and China have both invested heavily in unmanned systems and counter-drone technologies.

Military analysts note that adversaries are closely observing NATO efforts to address drone threats.

Russia’s extensive use of drones in Ukraine has highlighted both the tactical value of unmanned systems and the difficulty of defending against them.

F-16 Fighting Falcon
Add to Compare
- Generation: 4th
- Maximum Speed: Mach 2.0 (1,500 mph)
- No. of Engines: 1
- Radar Range: ~160 km (AESA)
- View Details →
8.0

China has also expanded production of small UAVs and loitering munitions while researching integrated air defense solutions against drone swarms.

NATO’s exploration of cost-efficient counter-UAS tools may therefore influence future competition in drone warfare technologies.

Affordable interception methods could become a critical factor in maintaining operational advantage against large-scale drone deployments.

What To Watch Next

The Belgian Air Force will likely continue operational evaluations to determine whether the rocket-based counter-UAS system meets reliability and accuracy requirements.

Future testing phases may focus on several factors:

• engagement success rates against different drone types
• integration with targeting sensors
• pilot workload and operational procedures
• compatibility with NATO air defense networks

Results from these trials could inform procurement decisions or operational doctrine within NATO air forces.

Belgium is also transitioning its combat aviation fleet toward the F-35 fighter aircraft in the coming years, which may open additional options for integrating advanced counter-drone technologies.

Capability Gap

The Belgium F-16 laser-guided rockets initiative addresses a clear capability gap.

Traditional air defense systems are optimized for larger aircraft and cruise missiles. Small drones present a different challenge due to their size, maneuverability, and low radar signatures.

Using high-end missiles to intercept inexpensive drones is operationally unsustainable during prolonged conflicts.

Laser-guided rockets offer a potential solution by combining precision with lower cost.

However, limitations remain.

Rocket engagement ranges are shorter than those of air-to-air missiles. Weather conditions and laser designation requirements may also affect effectiveness in certain environments.

Operational testing will determine whether the system can reliably perform under realistic combat conditions.

The Bottom Line

Belgium’s F-16 laser-guided rocket trials highlight NATO’s growing focus on affordable, scalable counter-drone defenses as unmanned threats reshape modern air warfare.

March 13, 2026 0 comments

Global News

US Army Tests APEX Counter-UAS Round For Apache Helicopters In Arizona

by Daniel Mercer (TheDefenseWatch) March 10, 2026

written by Daniel Mercer (TheDefenseWatch)

¦ KEY FACTS AT A GLANCE

The US Army recently tested the APEX counter-UAS round at Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona.
The 30mm Aviation Proximity Explosive round is designed for the AH-64 Apache’s M230 chain gun.
The munition detonates near a drone, creating a fragmentation pattern to destroy small UAS.
About 1,200 rounds were fired during testing against aerial and ground targets.
The next milestone is an airworthiness release enabling operational firing from Apache helicopters.

US Army Tests APEX Counter-UAS Round To Strengthen Drone Defense

The APEX counter-UAS round is undergoing testing by the US Army at Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona as part of efforts to improve the military’s ability to defeat drones on the modern battlefield. The new 30mm Aviation Proximity Explosive munition is designed for use with the AH-64 Apache helicopter’s M230 chain gun and is intended to destroy unmanned aerial systems by detonating near the target rather than requiring a direct hit.

Army testers recently conducted live-fire evaluations at the Yuma Test Center, where crews fired approximately 1,200 rounds during a series of trials comparing the new munition with legacy ammunition and assessing its effectiveness against aerial targets.

The Big Picture

The US military’s rapid push for counter-drone technologies reflects a fundamental shift in modern warfare. Small and inexpensive unmanned aerial systems have become widely used for reconnaissance, targeting, and attack missions.

Recent conflicts have demonstrated the scale of this challenge. In the war between Russia and Ukraine, both sides rely heavily on small drones for surveillance and strike operations, forcing militaries to develop new tools to detect and destroy these systems.

Army leadership has increasingly prioritized counter-UAS capabilities across multiple domains. The service has expanded research and testing programs focused on sensors, electronic warfare, and kinetic solutions designed to counter both individual drones and coordinated drone swarms.

The APEX counter-UAS round represents a relatively low-cost kinetic option that could expand the Apache helicopter’s ability to engage aerial threats.

What’s Happening

Testing took place at the Yuma Test Center at US Army Yuma Proving Ground, one of the military’s largest testing facilities. The site includes nearly 2,000 square miles of restricted airspace, allowing safe aerial weapons testing from helicopters.

The APEX round closely resembles existing 30mm ammunition used by the Apache, including the M788 training round and the M789 high-explosive dual-purpose round. However, the new munition introduces a key feature.

Instead of detonating on impact, the round uses a proximity effect that allows it to explode just in front of a target drone. The resulting fragmentation pattern spreads outward to disable or destroy the unmanned aircraft.

During testing, crews conducted two main subtests:

A comparison between the APEX round and legacy M789 ammunition
Engagement trials against unmanned aerial systems

Apache crews also fired at ground targets and tested the round at both short and longer ranges.

To capture detailed performance data, testers used a range of instrumentation. Support assets included overhead scoring aircraft, telemetry systems, tracking mounts, high-speed video cameras, and multiple ground-based sensors.

Why It Matters

Counter-drone defense presents a difficult problem for traditional military weapons. Small drones are often fast, agile, and inexpensive, which makes it inefficient to use costly missiles against them.

Attack helicopters such as the Apache already carry a powerful 30mm cannon that can fire hundreds of rounds per minute. However, hitting a small drone directly with conventional ammunition can be challenging.

The APEX counter-UAS round addresses this issue by using proximity detonation and fragmentation. This increases the probability of destroying a drone even when the round does not score a direct hit.

If fielded, the munition could significantly expand the Apache’s defensive and offensive capabilities against small aerial threats.

Strategic Implications

Integrating counter-drone ammunition into existing weapons platforms could offer several operational advantages.

First, it allows helicopters already deployed in combat zones to engage drones without requiring specialized interceptors or additional systems.

Second, it improves layered air defense. Apache helicopters operating near forward units could provide mobile counter-UAS coverage against surveillance drones or loitering munitions.

Third, it supports the broader US military approach to distributed air defense, where multiple platforms contribute to detecting and defeating unmanned threats.

This concept is increasingly important as drones become more numerous and are used in swarms or coordinated attacks.

Competitor View

Strategic competitors are closely watching Western progress in counter-drone technology.

Russia has relied heavily on reconnaissance and loitering drones in Ukraine, while China has invested heavily in drone swarms and autonomous systems. Both nations have also developed their own counter-UAS technologies.

A weapon like the APEX counter-UAS round highlights a Western approach focused on adapting existing platforms to defeat drone threats quickly and cost effectively.

Rather than relying only on high-end missile interceptors, militaries are increasingly combining electronic warfare, directed energy weapons, and proximity-fused ammunition to create layered defenses.

What To Watch Next

The next major milestone for the program is an airworthiness release.

This certification would allow soldiers to safely fire the APEX round from Apache helicopters in operational settings once the munition becomes available. The release represents a critical step toward full materiel release and eventual fielding to Army units.

Additional testing may examine reliability, lethality against different drone types, and compatibility with Apache fire control systems.

Future evaluations could also explore how the round performs against drone swarms or fast-moving aerial targets.

Capability Gap

Modern militaries face a growing gap between the cost of defending against drones and the cost of deploying them.

A small commercial drone can cost a few thousand dollars or less, while intercepting it with a missile can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The APEX counter-UAS round aims to close this gap by providing a low-cost engagement option using a weapon system already carried by Apache helicopters.

However, the munition also has limitations. It relies on the helicopter’s sensors and targeting systems to detect and track drones, which can be difficult against small or low-flying targets. It also remains a line-of-sight weapon with limited engagement range compared with missile systems.

The Bottom Line

The APEX counter-UAS round represents a practical step toward giving Apache helicopters an effective and cost-efficient weapon against the growing threat of battlefield drones.

March 10, 2026 0 comments

UK Wildcat deployment Eastern Mediterranean

Naval & Maritime Naval Strategy & Maritime Security

UK Deploys Wildcat Helicopters to Eastern Mediterranean for C-UAS Role Amid Iran Conflict 2026

by Samuel Drake (TheDefenseWatch) March 5, 2026

written by Samuel Drake (TheDefenseWatch)

■ KEY FACTS AT A GLANCE

► The United Kingdom has deployed Wildcat helicopters to the Eastern Mediterranean to support counter-UAS operations.
► The move comes amid escalating tensions linked to the ongoing Iran conflict in the region.
► Royal Navy Wildcat helicopters are equipped with sensors and weapons suitable for tracking and engaging aerial threats.
► The aircraft will operate in coordination with British naval assets already positioned in the Mediterranean.
► The deployment highlights growing Western focus on counter-drone defense in regional maritime operations.

UK Deploys Royal Navy Wildcat Helicopters in Counter-Drone Role Amid Escalating Iran Conflict

The United Kingdom has moved to reinforce its defensive posture in the Eastern Mediterranean by deploying two Royal Navy Wildcat HMA2 helicopters specifically for counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) operations. The decision, detailed in a March 3, 2026, announcement from the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), comes amid heightened tensions in the Iran conflict 2026 and follows a direct drone incident targeting British assets.

On the night of March 1, 2026, a single Shahed-type one-way attack unmanned aerial system (UAS)—attributed by sources to Hezbollah militia operating from Lebanon—struck the edge of the runway at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. The base, a key UK sovereign facility, supports regional operations and hosts RAF aircraft. No casualties were reported, but the incident underscored vulnerabilities to low-cost, proliferating drone threats linked to Iranian proxies.

In response, the MoD confirmed the rapid deployment of two Wildcat flights from 815 Naval Air Squadron (NAS), based at RNAS Yeovilton. These Leonardo AW159 Wildcat HMA2 maritime attack helicopters are equipped with active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar for enhanced detection and carry the Thales Martlet lightweight multimode guided weapon system. Martlet, integrated following successful trials—including an air-to-air firing during Exercise Wildfire in September 2025—enables precise engagement of aerial threats at ranges suitable for countering drones, cruise missiles, and other low-altitude targets.

AW159 Wildcat Helicopter
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- Advanced Avionics: Fully digital cockpit with integrated mission systems
- High Maneuverability: Optimized rotor and flight control design
- Multi-role Capability: Naval strike, reconnaissance, and utility missions
- Superior Survivability: Defensive aids and low observable design
- View Details →
8.0

The MoD emphasized the helicopters’ versatility: “The Wildcat helicopters, armed with the Martlet missile system, will be able to hunt and shoot down aerial threats, adding a powerful counter-drone capability to the region.” A statement from 815 NAS highlighted operational flexibility, noting that Wildcat with AESA radar “can hunt and destroy UAS from ship or shore, bringing flexibility and a rapid lethal response anywhere in the world at very short notice.”

This deployment coincides with the movement of the Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon to the Eastern Mediterranean. The Daring-class vessel provides advanced area air defense via its Sea Viper (Aster) missile system, capable of engaging multiple high-speed threats simultaneously. Together, the assets form a layered defense: ship-based radar and missiles for broader coverage, complemented by agile helicopter-borne interceptors for closer-in, dynamic threats.

Type 45 Daring-Class Destroyer
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- Displacement: 8,000 tons
- Maximum Speed: 29+ knots
- Radar Range: 400 km (S1850M)
- Vertical Launch Cells (VLS): 48
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The UK’s actions align with broader allied efforts to safeguard regional stability as the Iran conflict 2026 involves sustained exchanges, including Iranian retaliatory strikes and coalition defensive intercepts. Recent reports indicate UK forces have neutralized Iranian-linked drones in Iraqi and Qatari airspace using RAF Typhoons and other platforms. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Defence Secretary John Healey have framed the moves as protective measures for British personnel, Cypriot partners, and collective self-defense—without direct offensive involvement in strikes on Iran.

AW159 Wildcat Helicopter
Add to Compare
- Advanced Avionics: Fully digital cockpit with integrated mission systems
- High Maneuverability: Optimized rotor and flight control design
- Multi-role Capability: Naval strike, reconnaissance, and utility missions
- Superior Survivability: Defensive aids and low observable design
- View Details →
8.0

The Wildcat’s new C-UAS mission builds on its established maritime roles, including anti-surface warfare. The Martlet system’s introduction expands the platform’s utility against asymmetric threats, a growing priority as one-way attack drones proliferate in regional conflicts. This capability enhances rapid response options, allowing operations independent of fixed bases when needed.

Analysts note that the Eastern Mediterranean deployment addresses gaps in countering low-signature, swarming UAS threats, which traditional air defenses sometimes struggle to prioritize amid higher-end missile risks. By integrating rotorcraft with advanced sensors and precision munitions, the UK adds a mobile, expeditionary layer that can operate from forward sites like Cyprus or allied vessels.

The move also reflects strategic signaling: reinforcing commitments to NATO southern flank partners and deterring further proxy attacks on Western infrastructure. As the conflict evolves, such deployments may set precedents for rotary-wing C-UAS integration in contested environments.

March 5, 2026 0 comments

Naval & Maritime Naval Strategy & Maritime Security

US Navy Destroyer Shoots Down Drones with HELIOS Laser System

by Daniel Mercer (TheDefenseWatch) February 3, 2026

written by Daniel Mercer (TheDefenseWatch)

US Navy Deploys HELIOS Laser to Neutralize Drones

The US Navy has successfully demonstrated the use of a ship-mounted laser weapon to destroy multiple drones, highlighting advances in maritime counter-UAS capabilities.

During a recent at-sea demonstration, the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Preble employed Lockheed Martin’s High-Energy Laser with Integrated Optical Dazzler and Surveillance system (HELIOS) to engage and neutralize four unmanned aerial vehicles. The event was conducted as part of a Navy counter-UAS exercise and publicly disclosed in Lockheed Martin’s latest financial update.

Lockheed Martin CEO Jim Taiclet emphasized that HELIOS offers a practical alternative to traditional missile-based defenses for short-range threats. He stated the system successfully knocked UAVs out of the sky, potentially conserving interceptor missiles for higher-end targets.

HELIOS, a roughly 60-kilowatt class laser integrated with the Aegis Combat System, allows operators to perform both soft-kill and hard-kill engagements. Soft-kill functions include dazzling or degrading optical sensors, while hard-kill capabilities involve heating and damaging the structure of targets. Installed on the USS Preble, a Flight IIA Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, HELIOS can operate alongside conventional radar, sensors, and weapons.

This demonstration is part of Lockheed Martin’s broader support for Homeland Defense initiatives, including efforts under the Golden Dome program. The system also benefits from ongoing prototyping and command-and-control integration work at the company’s Center for Innovation in Virginia.

Experts note that integrating laser weapons like HELIOS into frontline naval vessels could significantly enhance US Navy defensive operations against increasingly sophisticated drone threats. As unmanned aerial vehicles become more prevalent in regional conflicts and surveillance operations, ship-mounted lasers offer rapid, cost-effective engagement options.

February 3, 2026 0 comments

counter-drone guidance military installations

Cyber & Space Defense Cyber Warfare

Pentagon Streamlines Counter-Drone Authority for Installation Commanders

by TeamDefenseWatch January 28, 2026

written by TeamDefenseWatch

Pentagon Consolidates Counter-Drone Policy Framework

The Department of Defense’s Joint Interagency Task Force 401 announced the release of updated counter-drone guidance on December 8, 2025, providing installation commanders with streamlined authority to detect and mitigate unmanned aerial system threats to military facilities across the United States.

The guidance, signed by the Secretary of Defense, consolidates existing policies for countering unmanned aircraft systems under the authority of 10 U.S. Code Section 130i. The comprehensive framework addresses what military officials describe as a direct and growing threat posed by the proliferation of inexpensive, capable, and weaponizable UAS by both peer competitors and non-state actors.

“Drones are a defining threat for our time,” said Brigadier General Matt Ross, Director of JIATF-401. “Technology is evolving fast and our policies and counter-UAS strategy here at home must adapt to meet this reality.”

Expanding Commander Authority Beyond Installation Perimeters

The updated guidance provides commanders with expanded authority and flexibility to dominate the airspace above their installations. According to defense officials, the policy recognizes that drone threats do not begin and end at installation fence lines.

“Countering drones does not start and stop at the fence line,” Ross explained. With this new guidance, installation commanders are empowered to address threats as they develop, and the guidance makes clear that unauthorized drone flights are a surveillance threat even before they breach an installation perimeter.

The framework empowers installation commanders to take decisive action to protect military facilities, assets, and personnel from the evolving threat landscape. Installation commanders are now directed to issue installation-specific operating procedures within 60 days of the guidance release.

The updated policy incorporates provisions from the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, authorizing the sharing of UAS track and sensor data among interagency partners. The guidance specifically enables data sharing with the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice, facilitating a more coordinated whole-of-government approach to counter-drone operations.

The policy also permits the use of trained and certified contractor personnel as counter-UAS operators, addressing workforce capacity challenges in defending military installations. This provision expands the available pool of personnel capable of operating defensive counter-drone systems.

“Hardware alone is not sufficient,” Ross stated. “We need to train service members and work in concert with interagency partners so that we’re all pulling together toward the same mission.”

Clear Authority Delegation Structure

Service Secretaries are now authorized to designate covered facilities or assets based on comprehensive risk assessments. This authority can be delegated to Service Chiefs, ensuring protection is applied where it is needed most across the military enterprise.

The guidance consolidates what had been multiple separate memoranda and directives into a single authoritative document. This streamlining effort addresses longstanding concerns about clarity and consistency in counter-UAS policy implementation across different military installations and service branches.

According to defense officials, the consolidation provides installation commanders with clear decision-making authority regarding when and how to engage drone threats approaching or operating near their installations.

Proactive Defense Posture Requirements

The guidance emphasizes a proactive approach, directing military leaders to assess vulnerabilities, conduct rigorous training drills, and develop robust defensive postures to deter and defeat aerial threats. This represents a shift from reactive measures to anticipatory defense planning.

JIATF-401 stands ready to assist commanders in implementing the new framework and developing installation-specific procedures. The task force, established in August 2025, serves as the Department of Defense’s lead organization for synchronizing counter-small UAS efforts across the department and rapidly delivering joint capabilities.

Addressing the Proliferation Challenge

The proliferation of inexpensive and capable unmanned aerial systems presents unique challenges to military installation security. Commercial drone technology has advanced rapidly, providing potential adversaries with surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities at minimal cost.

Defense officials have noted that adversaries are actively testing U.S. resolve, seeking to exploit perceived gaps in defenses to surveil operations, harass American forces, and undermine homeland security. The updated guidance aims to close those gaps through clearer authorities and standardized procedures.

The policy addresses threats from both peer competitors and non-state actors who have demonstrated increasing sophistication in employing drone technology against U.S. interests domestically and abroad.

Implementation Timeline and Training Requirements

Installation commanders have 60 days from the guidance release date to develop and issue installation-specific operating procedures. The procedures must address local threat assessments, available counter-UAS capabilities, coordination mechanisms with local and federal law enforcement, and rules of engagement.

The guidance mandates that all officers assuming command of military installations in the United States receive pre-briefings on counter-UAS authorities and policies. This requirement ensures continuity and consistent understanding of counter-drone authorities across command changes.

JIATF-401 has committed to providing support materials, training resources, and technical assistance to installation commanders as they implement the new framework. The task force has already conducted site assessments at key installations to identify and address defense gaps.

Integration with Broader Defense Initiatives

The updated guidance supports the Department of Defense’s Replicator 2 initiative, which focuses on rapidly fielding affordable counter-drone capabilities to protect U.S. personnel and facilities. JIATF-401 has developed a prioritized list of asset locations to guide resource allocation under this initiative.

The task force marked its 100th day of operations in December 2025, demonstrating rapid progress in delivering state-of-the-art counter-drone equipment and revamping policy frameworks. Since its establishment, JIATF-401 has delivered counter-UAS capabilities to forces on the southern border and enhanced protections for installations in the National Capital Region.

From day one, our mission has been to move with speed and purpose to keep pace with this evolving threat,” Ross said. “In just over three months, we have demonstrated our ability to rapidly integrate across the department and within the interagency.”

National Capital Region Coordination

In the National Capital Region, JIATF-401 has played an instrumental role in coordinating with interagency partners to improve integrated air defense capabilities. The task force is working to integrate sensors, effectors, and mission command systems into a responsive, interoperable network.

“Our goal is to integrate sensors, effectors, and mission command systems into a responsive, interoperable network that protects service members and American citizens alike,” Ross explained. “Countering drones is not just a battlefield problem—it’s a homeland defense imperative.”

The updated guidance provides the policy foundation for these technical integration efforts, ensuring that legal authorities align with operational capabilities.

Congressional Mandate Fulfillment

The updated guidance fulfills congressional mandates outlined in the FY2025 National Defense Authorization Act, which directed the Secretary of Defense and the C-UAS Task Force to review and consolidate all Department of Defense counter-UAS memoranda and directives within 90 days.

The legislation required providing clarity and an expedited decision-making process for commanders regarding counter-UAS operations at military installations in the United States. The consolidated guidance directly addresses these congressional concerns.

Congress has expressed sustained interest in the Department of Defense’s ability to detect and mitigate UAS threats to military personnel and installations, both domestically and abroad. The FY2026 NDAA further codified JIATF-401’s authority and responsibilities in statute.

Addressing Group 1 and Group 2 Threats

Defense officials have emphasized the particular challenge posed by small drones classified as Group 1 and Group 2 systems. While many defensive systems exist to defeat larger Group 3 drones, protecting against smaller, more agile systems requires different technologies and tactics.

“I want to make sure that we have just as robust protection against Group 1 and Group 2 systems that are smaller and much more likely to be seen over a heavily attended gathering, stadium, or watch party,” Ross noted in recent remarks.

The updated guidance provides the policy framework for deploying counter-UAS systems optimized for these smaller threat vectors, which are increasingly accessible to both sophisticated adversaries and opportunistic actors.

Future Capability Development

JIATF-401 continues to engage with venture capitalists, technology startups, and nontraditional defense firms as critical partners in developing next-generation counter-UAS capabilities. The task force is designed to move at the speed of relevance, cutting through traditional acquisition bureaucracy.

“We have just one measure of effectiveness: to deliver state-of-the-art counter-UAS capabilities to our warfighters both at home and abroad,” Ross stated.

The task force recently announced its first Replicator 2 purchase, acquiring DroneHunter systems—reusable, artificial intelligence-driven interceptor drones designed for use in homeland settings where minimizing risk to civilian populations is paramount.

Interagency Coordination Framework

The guidance establishes clear protocols for interagency coordination on counter-drone operations. In the event of a drone incident on U.S. soil, the Department of Homeland Security and local law enforcement would lead the response, with the Department of Defense providing support as requested.

JIATF-401 is working to ensure seamless information sharing and coordinated responses across federal agencies. The task force hosted an interagency meeting at the White House in November 2025 to strengthen cooperation across the U.S. government.

“JIATF-401 is an entirely joint, interagency endeavor dedicated to defeating small UAS,” Ross emphasized. The task force brings together representatives from nearly 50 federal agencies, including DHS, DOJ, FBI, FAA, and others.

Long-Term Strategic Implications

The updated counter-drone guidance represents a significant evolution in how the Department of Defense approaches homeland airspace defense. By providing installation commanders with clear, consolidated authorities, the policy aims to create a more agile and responsive defense posture.

Defense officials have characterized the drone threat as evolving faster than any other contemporary security challenge. The guidance framework is designed to be adaptive, allowing for updates as technology and threat vectors continue to develop.

“Small unmanned aircraft systems are changing the character of modern warfare and homeland defense,” Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll stated. “Adversaries are exploiting inexpensive and adaptable drone technology faster than our current acquisition system can handle.”

The Department of Defense’s initiative underscores its commitment to continuously adapting amid a rapidly evolving operational landscape, ensuring the Joint Force maintains technological and tactical superiority in contested airspace environments.

January 28, 2026 0 comments

Global News

Pentagon Counter-Drone Task Force to Share Data With Golden Dome Missile Defense Effort

by TeamDefenseWatch December 23, 2025

written by TeamDefenseWatch

The Pentagon’s main counter-drone unit, Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF 401), plans to share threat data with the Golden Dome missile defense project to help detect and counter larger unmanned aircraft. The announcement was made by Brigadier General Matt Ross at a media briefing on December 22, 2025. The effort centers on drones the size of an Army RQ-7B Shadow and larger, known as Group 3 drones.

The task force, created by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in August, will link its counter-unmanned systems (counter-UAS) data with the Golden Dome project. This data sharing aims to give both sides a clearer picture of airborne threats over U.S. territory.

General Ross said the U.S. must connect its counter-UAS defenses with the Golden Dome architecture. He told reporters that seamless data sharing is key and that both sides should be able to “see each other’s threat picture.”

Adam Scher, a JIATF 401 spokesperson, described how the task force supports interagency partners with threat information and helps streamline counter-drone efforts with other authorities.

Background Information

Counter-Drone Tasks
JIATF 401 is the Pentagon’s lead body for counter-drone work. It tracks, detects, and assesses small and larger unmanned systems threats for the U.S military. Drones are grouped by size and capability; Group 3 drones are larger and can carry heavier payloads.

Golden Dome Project
Golden Dome is a broad U.S. homeland defense plan to build layers of missile and aerial threat detection and interception across the country. It uses satellites, ground sensors, and other systems to spot and defeat missiles or hostile aircraft before they can strike. The project was directed by a presidential order earlier in 2025 and is led by U.S. Space Force leaders.

Strategic or Broader Context

Officials see drones as a rising threat to U.S. forces and civilians. Small and midsize drones are now used in conflicts worldwide and can enter U.S. airspace near military bases, major events, or critical infrastructure. Better sharing of threat data across agencies is meant to strengthen defense layers.

Linking counter-drone data with the broader Golden Dome defenses may help improve overall watch-and-respond ability against a range of aerial threats. That includes traditional missiles and drones that could penetrate airspace over populated areas.

At this time no public statement from critics or independent experts was available. Some analysts have previously noted that the Golden Dome project is ambitious and expensive, raising questions about cost and technical challenges

December 23, 2025 0 comments