On November 7, the Oklahoma National Guard (OKNG) was joined by representatives from state, education and the defence industry to discuss the development of Counter UAS technologies.
With specific focus on interoperability and standardization, participants discussed advancements in both UAS and Counter UAS capabilities. This demonstrates the OKNG’s continued commitment to innovation within the Counter UAS market following the testing exercises conducted in March earlier this year alongside industry partners.
Reflecting on the event and broader efforts from the OKNG to position itself at the centre of innovation, Colonel Shane Reiley, Director of the National Guard’s Launched Effects Program stated that:
“The Oklahoma National Guard is connected to the broader environment of innovation like never before. I think it is really a model for successful integration that gives Oklahoma dynamic opportunities”.
Colonel Riley is expected to expand on these developments at the Loitering Munitions USA conference taking place next April, where he will provide further updates into ongoing efforts to advance both offensive and defensive UAS capabilities.
The OKNG also announced that the meeting has resulted in the establishment of an expert group called the Launched Effects Alliance, which marks a further milestone and step towards institutionalizing vital conversations around UAS & Counter UAS capability development.
Although the membership list of this group has not been publicly announced, Colonel Riley also reflecting on its importance, stating that:
“This is really an unofficial agreement for a broad group of hyper-capable organizations to work together to solve big problems. In these meetings, I’m surrounded by PhD industry leaders, state employees and defense activity decision makers that want to move fast and solve problems.”
The emphasis on collaboration demonstrates recognition from all concerned stakeholders that siloed development and discussions undermine the capability development required to address both the threats and opportunities in the UAS field.
These efforts fit within the OKNG’s wider mission and modernization priorities designed to ensure that future warfighters are equipped with the technologies required to operate effectively in modern conflict.
