A US military task force just showed it's ready to bet billions of dollars on answers to the drone problem
The US military's Joint Interagency Task Force 401 has announced a $7 billion contract initiative to acquire a diverse range of counter-drone technologies. This move aims to address the rapid proliferation of small uncrewed aerial systems by investing in both sensor and kinetic defense solutions.
Why it matters
The massive investment highlights the growing strategic priority of neutralizing drone threats in modern warfare.
JIATF-401 is the US' interagency counter-drone task force focused on developing and employing systems to defeat small uncrewed aerial systems. US Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Michael A. Richmond The US counter-drone task force said it is prepared to invest billions of dollars in new systems. Officials said the types of technologies range from sensors to kinetic weapons for shooting down drones. The US has a marketplace for agencies and military units to buy counter-UAS weapons they specifically need. The US task force leading the military's response to the drone threat is ready to spend billions of dollars on contracts for counter-drone technologies, betting that a mixed arsenal will be needed to contend with one of the fast-growing battlefield problems. Officials said the investment would help scale different technologies so that more federal agencies and military units can get what they need for specific requirements, environments, and threats.
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