Joint Interagency Task Force 401 has awarded $6.1 million in contracts for counter-drone systems as part of its Domestic Shield initiative, aimed at strengthening defenses across key U.S. military and strategic sites.
The contracts include the procurement of 210 Smash 2000LE systems from SmartShooter and one Titan Cerberus XL system from AeroVironment. The systems are intended to enhance protection against small UAS threats targeting installations and critical infrastructure.
The capability will support operations under U.S. Northern Command and U.S. Strategic Command.
Layered defense approach
Officials said the procurement forms part of an effort to build a layered counter-drone defense architecture combining detection, tracking and engagement capabilities.
“We need a layered defense that includes distributed sensing, the ability to track in real time, and capabilities to engage with both non-kinetic and kinetic countermeasures,” said Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, director of the task force. He added that the purchase is “a step in the right direction” rather than a complete solution.
Two additional radar systems have also been assigned to support the National Capital Region in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, aiming to improve detection and response to drone threats in and around Washington, D.C.
Rapid procurement and system integration
According to the task force, both contracts were executed on an accelerated timeline, reflecting efforts to speed up acquisition processes and deliver operational capability more quickly.
The procurement also supports ongoing integration of Anduril’s Lattice command-and-control system, which links sensors and counter-drone effectors across different agencies and installations into a unified operational framework.
Officials say this approach is intended to improve response times and coordination as the U.S. military adapts to the growing use of small UAS in both domestic and overseas contexts.
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Post Image Credit: SmartShooter
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