The US Department of War brought together more than 200 leaders and experts from 75 departments and agencies last month for a summit focused on strengthening counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) capabilities for homeland defence.
Hosted by Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF 401), the second interagency summit focused on coordinating efforts to address the growing use of drones and establish a common operating picture for air traffic in areas considered critical to national security.
Participants worked in groups covering five areas: major-event and critical-infrastructure preparation; reporting, jurisdiction and information sharing; authorities, policy and legislation; access to C-UAS capabilities and the counter-UAS marketplace; and testing, standards and integration.
The summit also examined the transition of emerging C-UAS technologies from testing into operational use. JIATF 401 said it is conducting a directed-energy pilot programme at multiple military installations to evaluate high-energy lasers, high-power microwaves and other technologies in operational environments.
For more information
https://www.war.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/4594128/dow-hosts-2nd-interagency-summit-to-strengthen-counter-drone-defense/
(Image: Army Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, Joint Interagency Task Force 401 director, speaks at an interagency summit in Alexandria, Va., Aug. 21, 2026. (Credit: Army Lt. Col. Adam Scher)
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