Pentagon Establishes Joint Interagency Task Force to Counter Drone Threats

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed the establishment of Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF 401) to counter the growing threat posed by hostile small drones to U.S. military forces and national airspace. This new task force replaces the Joint Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office (JCO), which struggled to coordinate efforts effectively, and aims to consolidate resources and streamline acquisition and integration of counter-drone capabilities. JIATF 401 will bring together expertise from multiple government agencies and be empowered with expanded authorities to rapidly develop and deliver affordable, mobile counter-drone technologies to warfighters. The initiative reflects a Pentagon-wide priority to outpace adversaries by focusing on speed and efficiency in counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) development, addressing threats both overseas and on U.S. borders. Secretary Hegseth emphasized that under President Trump's leadership, the U.S. will innovate and lead in counter-drone defense to ensure sovereignty and protection of military personnel and assets. The task force will have acquisition authority and begin recruiting personnel with relevant expertise to accelerate operational capability.