The U.S. Department of War has awarded more than $25 million to expand counter-uncrewed aerial system capabilities supporting U.S. Southern Command operations, according to the department and Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF-401).
The multiple procurements cover interceptors and electronic-warfare systems. The systems are intended to create layered counter-UAS capabilities spanning detection, tracking and defeat of small uncrewed aircraft across operational environments within USSOUTHCOM’s area of responsibility.
Layered counter-UAS capabilities
The Department of War said the acquisitions are designed to strengthen air-domain awareness and expand precision defeat options. The source did not identify the individual systems, their suppliers, quantities or specific operating locations.
The package combines kinetic and non-kinetic elements through the inclusion of interceptors and electronic-warfare equipment. Together, the procurements are intended to give U.S. forces multiple ways to identify, follow and counter small-UAS threats rather than relying on a single defeat method.
Accelerated acquisition pathway
JIATF-401 said the awards moved the capabilities from requirement to operational use in less than one month. The task force described the procurement as an example of its rapid-acquisition approach for counter-UAS requirements.
Army Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, JIATF-401’s director, said the task force is using accelerated acquisition pathways to field counter-UAS capabilities for U.S. military services and combatant commands. According to the task force, the same approach is intended to support future efforts to deliver counter-UAS equipment on shortened timelines.
