Senior leaders from US agencies and law enforcement have met to establish a shared understanding of counter-small uncrewed aerial system (C-sUAS) threat detection and mitigation best practices.
The December 11 meeting, held during a law enforcement symposium, was hosted by the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region/United States Army Military District of Washington (JTF-NCR/MDW) at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in the National Capital Region. JTF-NCR/MDW, in partnership with the newly established Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF 401), used lessons learned from a recent C-sUAS exercise held at Fort McNair, Washington, D.C., to bridge knowledge gaps and strengthen partnerships.
The symposium brought together leaders from the US defence department, civilian law enforcement and World Cup host cities to discuss C-sUAS capabilities, limitations, resource sharing and procurement.
“We must leverage the insights we gained today to enhance our small UAS capabilities and our operational readiness as we continue to break down barriers internally and externally to the military and interagency, state and local law enforcement partners,” said US Army Brig. Gen. Antoinette Gant, Commanding General, JTF-NCR/MDW. “The increased use of sUAS, or drones, presents a rapidly evolving threat landscape that requires a coordinated approach and cooperation across all US government agencies to effectively address everything from detection and tracking to mitigation and neutralisation.”
Secretary of the Army, Daniel Driscoll, spoke of the unique challenges associated with the sUAS threat. “The problem with a drone is it is completely indifferent to land boundaries, it’s completely indifferent to where federal property becomes state property, becomes a local monitor area, and the violence that can be inflicted is nearly limitless because of the low price.”
Also speaking at the meeting, US Army Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, Director of JIATF 401, said the question is not if but when counter drone defences will need to be exercised. “We all share the same sense of urgency to keep pace with this growing threat and I believe that collectively in this room, we’ve got the resources and the expertise to keep the public safe.”
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Image: Military senior leaders discuss tactics at the December 11, 2025 symposium. (US Army photo by Sgt. Tien Dat Ngo)
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