Day 1 of the Gegen UAS-Technologie USA conference focused on homeland defense, detection technologies, and interoperability strategies, bringing together leaders and experts from across military, industry and government.

Below, we go through each of the key sessions and the topics they covered.

NORTHCOM on defending the homeland

Captain Rebecca Albert outlined US Northern Command’s role in synchronizing operations to defend military assets on American soil from the UAS threat. She emphasized the importance of establishing a layered domain awareness network to detect and track threats approaching North America.

Albert also shared results from the September Falcon Peak C‑UAS exercise, highlighting lessons learned and next steps in strengthening homeland defense against rogue drones.

Fostering collaboration across the DoW

A keynote panel featuring Colonel Scott McLellan of the JIATF 41, Colonel Jennifer Massett of OUSW S&T Futures, Captain Rebecca Albert of U.S. NORTHCOM and Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Black of the DoW Close Combat Lethality Task Force.

The panel explored current efforts to promote collaboration on counter‑UAS programs and science and technology initiatives across the Department of War.

The panel highlighted challenges in achieving inter‑agency coordination and shared lessons learned, while pointing to opportunities for greater cooperation in the path ahead.

Military & civil interoperability

Lee Mansell of NATO NCIA emphasized why military and civil C‑UAS interoperability is essential. He argued that interoperability is not just a data exchange problem, but a broader operational challenge requiring common frameworks.

Mansell offered practical thoughts on how industry, military and civil defense planners can move forward to achieve seamless cooperation.

Protecting the US homeland

A panel featuring representatives from the FBI, NNSA, the American Correctional Association, Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority and Connecticut State Police discussed protecting airports, critical infrastructure and large‑scale events.

The panel members each shared the significant challenges that their respective agencies are facing, from a crisis in drone smuggling at American prisons to the major threat that U.S. airports are not prepared to face.

Exploiting national capabilities

Colin Reese of US Army TENCAP highlighted how national capabilities are being rapidly exploited to modernize Army counter‑UAS technologies. He discussed integrating emerging TENCAP innovations into the force structure and outlined future opportunities to pace evolving threats.

Building a joint training institution

Dr. James Bailey of the U.S. Air Force closed the day by stressing the importance of joint training institutions. He outlined efforts to design operational teams, leverage best practices across services, reduce redundancy and recruit specialized talent to build subject matter expertise for the future of counter‑UAS operations.

VERWANDTER INHALT: Counter UAS Technology USA focus day wraps up in Washington

Post Image Credit: Victoria Ayuso

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