More than 180 officials from across the federal government gathered in Alexandria, Virginia, this week to begin a coordinated three-year effort to improve the nation’s defenses against small UAS. The summit marks the formal rollout of Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF 401), a new counter-drone initiative ordered by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth in August.
The new task force brings together representatives from the War Department, DHS, FBI, Department of Transportation, FAA and dozens of other agencies, reflecting a holistic government attempt to address the rapidly expanding drone threat.
Task Force created to accelerate counter-UAS capabilities
In a memo establishing the task force, Hegseth directed the department to prioritize speed, mobility and affordability as it develops and fields counter-UAS systems. JIATF 401 will operate for 36 months, aiming to accelerate delivery of capabilities that “outpace the threat.”
The effort aligns with the president’s direction to reestablish U.S. air sovereignty and strengthen protection of federal personnel, facilities and infrastructure.
“This was an opportunity to bring together all of our interagency partners with shared interests in countering small UAS,” said Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, the task force commander. “No one agency can solve this on their own.”
Small drones now a “defining threat”
Ross told attendees that unmanned systems have quickly become one of the most significant security challenges facing the United States.
“Unmanned systems are a defining threat for our time, and I say that because they’re prolific, they’re evolving quickly, and they’re no longer confined to combat,” Ross said. “[Drones are] putting exquisite surveillance and precision strike capability into the hands of individuals and small groups that used to be reserved for our state adversaries.”
Ross outlined three initial lines of effort for the task force:
- Defending the homeland, focusing on the National Capital Region and the southern border.
- Supporting warfighter lethality.
- Improving joint force training.
The southern border represents a growing concern. According to Ross, U.S. Northern Command and Joint Task Force Southern Border recorded 3,000 drone incursions in the past year and observed over 60,000 drones just south of the border.
Integration and data sharing seen as critical
Ross cautioned that counter-drone defense is not just a hardware issue.
“We need a common air picture that includes drones,” he said, stressing the need for data-sharing across classification levels and sensor networks. That includes integrating active and passive sensors to improve situational awareness along the border and in the National Capital Region.
The task force will also examine how agencies pass tracking data to decision-makers and how authorities to neutralize threats are delegated when necessary.
“We’re not there yet, but we’re making progress,” Ross said.
World Cup 2026 a priority
Because the 2026 FIFA World Cup is designated a national special security event, JIATF 401 is prioritizing support for security preparations. One focus is ensuring that state and local personnel can acquire counter-UAS systems that have been tested and validated by the War Department.
Broad federal cooperation required
Homeland Security officials underscored the need for joint planning across agencies. DHS Undersecretary for Science and Technology Daniel Tamburello noted significant mission overlap between DHS and U.S. Northern Command.
“The unmanned aerial system threat is prolific and widespread, and it’s only going to get bigger,” he said. “Any bad actor who wants to do something has a chance to do it, and we have to stop them.”
Tamburello said one of the task force’s goals is ensuring interoperability across the federal government to avoid duplication and reduce unnecessary spending.
FBI highlights training needs ahead of major events
The FBI, which runs the National Counter-UAS Training Center in Huntsville, Alabama, said JIATF 401 will help prepare state and local agencies ahead of major upcoming events including the World Cup, America 250 and the Olympics.
“We believe this initiative will enhance our ability to work with partners to disrupt threats,” said Micheal Torphy, unit chief for the FBI’s UAS and counter-UAS programs.
Officials emphasized that addressing drone threats will require sustained joint and interagency coordination, supported by new authorities, improved data-sharing and more consistent training.
“It’s a whole-of-government effort,” Ross said. “We have to be able to counter this threat, see it before it manifests and defeat it before an attack is successful.”
JIATF 401 is expected to remain active for the next three years as agencies work to modernize the nation’s counter-drone posture.
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Post Image Credit: U.S. Department of War
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