Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF-401) is leading a new enterprise-level contract initiative aimed at improving coordination across U.S. counter-drone operations by deploying a shared command-and-control system.
The effort, awarded through U.S. Army Contracting Command Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland, is designed to address interoperability challenges that have complicated joint and interagency efforts to counter unmanned aerial systems.
Officials say the agreement establishes a common technological framework that will allow military and federal agencies to share data more easily, coordinate responses and respond more quickly to drone threats.
Unified command platform
The initiative centers on deploying a common command-and-control platform known as Lattice across participating organizations, part of a contract awarded to Anduril Industries to consolidate commercial technologies including its AI-enabled Lattice suite, integrated hardware, data infrastructure and technical support into a unified capability for the U.S. Army.
“This is a decisive move against a pervasive and growing threat; we are breaking down the hurdles that have limited our effectiveness in the counter-UAS fight,” said Tony Lindh, deputy director of acquisitions for Joint Interagency Task Force 401.
Lindh said the platform is intended to provide shared air domain awareness and allow agencies to build a more coordinated defense network against hostile drones.
Centralized procurement
The initiative is being managed through a contract vehicle valued at up to $20 billion, which officials say will streamline procurement of counter-drone technologies. Rather than managing multiple contracts across different agencies, the single enterprise vehicle will allow faster acquisition and deployment of software-driven counter-UAS capabilities.
Officials say centralizing procurement will also improve oversight of spending, reduce duplicate purchases and provide greater transparency on pricing.
Matt Ross, director of Joint Interagency Task Force 401, said testing and operational assessments highlighted the need for a unified command system.
“Based on our testing and evaluation, it became clear that a common command and control system is needed to effectively counter adversary drones,” Ross said.
He added that observations from the war in Ukraine reinforced how rapidly drones have changed modern warfare and highlighted the need for faster integration of defensive technologies. Ross said the agreement is intended to accelerate the delivery of counter-drone capabilities to military units and government agencies.
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Post Image Credit: U.S. Department of War
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