The United States Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF 401) has published its Guide for Physical Protection of Critical Infrastructure, a three-page document designed to help installation commanders and local law enforcement use passive measures to protect against threats from small uncrewed aircraft systems (sUAS).
JIATF 401 developed the guide to provide an accessible framework for assessing risks, identifying vulnerabilities and implementing effective protective measures. A central concept of the guide is the “Harden, Obscure, Perimeter” framework, a methodology focused on shaping the physical environment to counter sUAS threats. The defense department says this approach “emphasises practical, layered solutions” and describes hardening measures as creating physical obstacles to sUAS flight, such as netting or structural shielding. Meanwhile, obscuring focuses on reducing a drone’s ability to identify and access critical assets through measures like visual clutter and temporary barriers. And the perimeter aspect extends security beyond the traditional fenceline, creating layered defences to detect and deter threats before they reach the intended objective.
Army Brig. Gen. Ross, Director of JIATF 401 said the guide is not just for military bases, power grids and ports. “We’re talking about places where Americans gather. With major international events like the World Cup on the horizon, the security of our stadiums, for example, is a national priority.”
Brig. Gen. Ross added that the new guidance provides “a common playbook for our forces to work closely with federal and local partners to ensure a safe and secure environment against the growing challenge of nefarious drones”.
For more information
JIATF 401 Guide for Physical Protection of Critical Infrastructure
Image: The US Air Force performs a flyover ahead of Super Bowl LVI, Feb. 13, 2022, over SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Codie Trimble)
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