Army Takes Action: Hegseth Launches New Interagency Task Force to Combat UAS Threats

Army Launches New Task Force to Tackle Drone Threats

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has tasked Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll with setting up a new team dedicated to fighting drone threats. This task force, called Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF 401), aims to speed up the development of counter-drone technologies across the military.

Hegseth emphasized the need for quick action. “We’re cutting through red tape and empowering this task force to take control of our skies,” he stated in a video on social media. The director of JIATF 401 will have the authority to approve up to $50 million for counter-drone projects.

According to Vice Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. James Mingus, military leaders have been advocating for this initiative for a while. “We need to move faster, especially in this area,” he said. The new task force will replace the existing Joint Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems office, which lacked purchasing power.

This new structure allows for better coordination among various defense agencies. The task force will hire experts in drone technology and work closely with the Defense Innovation Unit to focus on funding for counter-drone initiatives. The director must quickly recruit a technical lead and additional experts to kickstart operations.

All counter-drone research efforts from the Department of Defense will fall under JIATF 401, except for those specific to individual services and Special Operations. This consolidates resources, making the military’s response to drone threats more efficient.

Hegseth’s memo outlines that within two months, a plan must be drafted for reallocating funds to support JIATF 401. The Army is also pushing Congress to approve flexible funding for drone countermeasures as part of its upcoming budget request.

Interestingly, in a 2025 survey, 73% of military experts ranked drones as a top security concern. The increasing use of drones by both adversaries and in civilian sectors has made counter-drone strategies crucial for national security.

In recent years, the U.S. military has recognized that drones pose a significant threat, not just overseas but also on American soil. Former Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin established a targeted strategy against drones in late 2024, highlighting this growing concern.

As JIATF 401 gets set to roll out operations, it represents a major shift in how the military plans to address drone warfare. This proactive measure showcases the urgency to secure airspace and respond to evolving technological threats.

For more information on military strategies regarding drones, check the [Department of Defense’s website](https://www.defense.gov).

Copyright © 2025 Federal News Network. All rights reserved. This website is not intended for users in the European Economic Area.

Source link

james mingus,jiatf 401,pete hegseth,unmanned aircraft systems