Site Selections Announced for Directed-Energy Counter-Drone Program

May 6, 2026 | By Army Lt. Col. Adam Scher, Joint Interagency Task Force 401 |

On behalf of the War Department, Joint Interagency Task Force 401 selected five installations to participate in the directed-energy counter-unmanned aircraft systems pilot program included in the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act.  

This initiative will accelerate the fielding and evaluation of advanced directed energy capabilities to protect critical infrastructure, military installations and homeland missions. The locations were deliberately selected to support rigorous testing and operational assessments across diverse environments and mission sets.  
 
They include key southern border installations: Fort Huachuca, Arizona; and Fort Bliss, Texas, as well as Naval Base Kitsap, Washington; Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota; and Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. 
 
"Countering unlawful and adversarial drone activity is a homeland defense imperative," said Army Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, Joint Interagency Task Force 401 director. "There is no 'silver bullet' to address this challenge, and this pilot program integrates cutting-edge technology into the department's broader counter-drone toolkit."  
 
These capabilities, including high-energy lasers and high-powered microwave systems, are among many counter-UAS tools available to commanders as part of a layered defense. The technology enables service members to disrupt and defeat unlawful or adversarial drone activity while minimizing risk to surrounding personnel and infrastructure. 
 
Developed in close coordination with the services, U.S. Northern Command and the Federal Aviation Administration, the pilot program builds on several recent milestones that have advanced the safe domestic employment of directed-energy systems. These include:

• A joint DOW-FAA demonstration at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, validating that the systems do not pose undue risk to passenger aircraft. 
• Operational systems employment in support of the southern border mission. 
• The recent DOW-FAA safety risk assessment that established procedures for future use while protecting the national airspace.

"Our collaboration with the FAA and the successful demonstration at White Sands were pivotal steps forward in our counter-UAS efforts," said Army Col. Scott McLellan, deputy director of the task force. "We showed that directed-energy systems can counter drone threats while preserving the safety of air travelers. This pilot program now allows us to translate that progress into evolving operational capability for the homeland."

During the next 180 days, the department will finalize deployment plans with installation commanders, enabling operations to begin later this year.

Joint Interagency Task Force Integrates Skills, Creates Layered Counter-Drone Defense

Dec. 18, 2025 | By Lt. Col. Adam Scher, Joint Interagency Task Force 401 |

Small unmanned aircraft systems, once largely confined to overseas battlefields, are increasingly being exploited by criminal organizations, cartels and terrorist networks inside the homeland.

In response, the War Department is leading a coordinated, whole-of-government effort to strengthen counter-unmanned aircraft systems capabilities in direct support of military forces and state, local, territorial and tribal law enforcement partners.

At the center of this effort is Joint Interagency Task Force 401, a specialized organization established in August to rapidly integrate, test and deliver C-UAS capabilities. The task force's mission and progress in support of local law enforcement were the focus of a law enforcement symposium held at Joint Base Myer–Henderson Hall in Arlington, Virginia, Dec. 11.

The urgency of that partnership is underscored by recent real-world events, during which drones disrupted air travel in Europe.

"Unmanned systems are a defining threat of our time," said Army Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, JIATF-401 director. "They are prolific, they are evolving rapidly, and they are no longer confined to combat zones. Nothing is more important than defending our homeland, our people and the law enforcement professionals who protect them every day." 

The central focus of JIATF 401's mission is supporting state, local, territorial and tribal law enforcement, particularly as the nation prepares to host major international events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics. This includes enhanced planning, technical integration and assisting with capability delivery to the 11 U.S. cities scheduled to host World Cup matches.

To accelerate this support, the task force is working in close coordination with the Defense Logistics Agency to assist law enforcement agencies and to leverage a Notice of Funding Opportunity from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The $250 million available is dedicated to counter-UAS and air domain awareness capabilities. Through this partnership, DLA provides contracting expertise, logistics support and scalable procurement pathways to help state, local, territorial and tribal agencies move rapidly to full-fielded capabilities. 

"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 said. "By pairing JIATF 401's operational expertise with DLA's logistics and contracting capabilities, we are helping law enforcement turn available grant funding into real, deployable counter-UAS capacity, quickly and responsibly." 

A cornerstone of this effort is the development of a counter-UAS marketplace, a centralized mechanism that allows interagency and law enforcement partners to access DOW test data, operational user feedback and validated procurement options. This approach reduces risk, accelerates fielding timelines and ensures taxpayer resources are applied to proven solutions. 

The symposium also highlighted the need for a shared, integrated air picture across jurisdictions. The Joint Task Force National Capital Region and the Military District of Washington shared their experiences coordinating and executing a counter-drone training exercise, which can serve as a model for municipalities across the country, in Washington, Nov. 17-21.

"We need a common air picture that includes drones," Ross said, citing more than 3,000 drone incursions detected along the southern border in the past year. "That requires integrating data from both classified and unclassified sensors and proliferating active and passive sensing across federal and nonfederal partners. We're not there yet, but we are making measurable progress."

Senior leaders from across the federal and law enforcement enterprises attended the symposium, including Army Secretary Daniel P. Driscoll, and JTF NCR and MDW Commander Army Brig. Gen. Antoinette Gant and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Deputy Director Robert Cekada.

 

Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House FIFA Task Force, also participated to highlight how his team is working with JIATF 401 to assist local law enforcement in cities hosting 2026 World Cup matches — underscoring the depth and breadth of the coalition aligned behind this mission.    

Ross said events like this serve as a clear signal of national resolve. Through sustained partnership with state, local, territorial and tribal law enforcement, deliberate integration with DLA, and disciplined use of FEMA grant funding, DOW is strengthening the nation's ability to secure its airspace and protect the American people today, and in the years ahead.  

"JIATF-401 exists to integrate joint and interagency skills to create the layered counter-drone defense our nation requires," he added.