Image: Air Force Staff Sgt. Michael Richmond via DVIDS
Joint Interagency Task Force 401 has published a new handbook aimed at building shared understanding of the drone threat across government, industry and academia. The guide, titled “Small Drones, Big Problems: A First Principles Approach to Countering-UAS,” forms part of the task force’s mission to align counter-unmanned aircraft systems efforts across the War Department and federal partners, as per a recent press statement.
A Common Vocabulary for a Growing Threat
The handbook establishes shared terminology and draws on recent operational lessons from the Middle East and European battlefields. It explains how adversaries deploy drones, outlines the core elements of layered drone defence and identifies factors that enable successful counter-UAS operations.
Army Maj. Joe Amoroso, deputy chief of strategic initiatives for JIATF 401, commented: “It is crucial to build a common foundation for counter-drone efforts as we work with the entire government and interagency partners to respond to this growing threat.” He added that the guide shares first principles and direct feedback from warfighters using counter-UAS systems, giving the wider community consistent means and methods for countering what he called the defining threat of the era.
Layered Defence Over Single Solutions
The handbook stresses that no single technology can defeat drone threats alone. It highlights the need for trained personnel with the knowledge and authority to respond in real time.
Army Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, the task force director, added: “While there is no silver bullet to protect against drones, the threat can be mitigated if we are proactive, work with partners across the government and build a layered defence.”
Through the publication, JIATF 401 continues expanding counter-UAS capability for warfighters at home and abroad.
Read more on the U.S. DoW website
