The US defence department has awarded more than USD25 million to expand counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) capabilities supporting US Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) operations.
The multiple procurements cover a range of capabilities, including interceptors and electronic warfare systems, intended to provide layered detection, tracking and defeat options against small UAS threats.
The Department of War said the procurements are intended to strengthen air domain awareness and expand precision defeat capabilities across operational environments within the USSOUTHCOM area of responsibility.
The contracts were awarded through Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF-401), which said the procurement process enabled the capabilities to move from requirement to operational use in less than a month.
JIATF-401 director Army Brig. Gen. Matt Ross said the task force is using accelerated acquisition pathways to field C-UAS capabilities for US military services and combatant commands. The task force said the procurements provide an example of its rapid acquisition approach for future efforts.
For more information
https://www.war.gov/News/Releases/External/Article/4601939/jiatf-401-awards-over-25-million-to-expand-counter-uas-capabilities-for-us-sout/
Image: AFGSC, JIATF-401 conduct multi-command C-sUAS qualification at Camp Guernsey, 29 May, 2026 (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Michael A. Richmond).
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