Joint Interagency Task Force 401 Awards $6.1 Million Counter-UAS Contract for SmartShooter and AeroVironment Systems – Drones World Magazine
AI Analysis
JIATF 401 awarded a $6.1 million contract to SmartShooter and AeroVironment for counter-UAS systems, including 210 Smash 2000LE units and one Titan Cerberus XL. The task force is accelerating acquisition processes and integrating the Lattice C2 system to improve response times and coordination. Additional radar systems are being deployed to the National Capital Region to bolster defenses.
Key Takeaways
- JIATF 401 awarded a $6.1M contract for c-UAS capabilities under 'Domestic Shield'.
- The contract includes 210 SmartShooter Smash 2000LE systems (kinetic) and 1 AeroVironment Titan Cerberus XL (likely multi-mission, potentially electronic warfare).
- JIATF 401 is prioritizing rapid acquisition, citing a record-fast contract execution timeline.
- Two radar systems are being deployed to the National Capital Region in coordination with DHS.
- Integration of the Lattice C2 system is underway to improve sensor-effector linking and command & control.
Why It Matters
This procurement demonstrates a continued US focus on defending critical infrastructure against drone threats. The rapid acquisition timeline signals a willingness to bypass traditional bureaucratic hurdles to field capabilities quickly. The integration of Lattice C2 suggests a move towards a more networked and responsive counter-UAS architecture.
Joint Interagency Task Force 401 Awards $6.1 Million Counter-UAS Contract for SmartShooter and AeroVironment Systems – Drones World Magazine
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Home ANTI DRONES Joint Interagency Task Force 401 Awards $6.1 Million Counter-UAS Contract for SmartShooter and AeroVironment Systems
Joint Interagency Task Force 401 Awards $6.1 Million Counter-UAS Contract for SmartShooter and AeroVironment Systems
April 18, 2026
April 18, 2026
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The Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF 401) has successfully executed additional contract awards as part of Domestic Shield to procure counter-unmanned aerial systems capability in support of U.S. Northern Command and U.S. Strategic Command.
The combined contract, valued at $6.1 million, includes the purchase of 210 SmartShooter Smash 2000LE systems and one AeroVironment Titan Cerberus XL system. This milestone expands the layered defenses that protect installations and critical defense infrastructure from emerging UAS threats within the United States.
Army Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, Task Force Director, stated: “We need a layered defense that includes distributed sensing, the ability to track in real time, and capabilities to engage with both non-kinetic and kinetic countermeasures. This purchase does not solve that problem, but it’s a step in the right direction.”
He added that both contracts were executed at a record pace, underscoring JIATF 401’s commitment to cutting through red tape to deliver critical counter-UAS capability at the speed of relevance during combat operations in support of Operation Epic Fury.
The rapid award timeline reflects strong coordination across requirements, contracting, and mission stakeholders to ensure timely responses to operator needs.
Additionally, two radar systems have been assigned to support the National Capital Region in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, enhancing the region’s ability to detect and counter emerging UAS threats. Brig. Gen. Ross noted that this strategic move strengthens local defense capabilities, ensuring that critical infrastructure remains protected.
In support of this reconfiguration, JIATF 401 is also advancing the integration of the Lattice system, a cutting-edge, tactical user interface for command-and-control of counter-UAS that links sensors and effectors across installations and agencies. This integration will boost response times and strengthen national defense, enabling more agile and effective counter-UAS operations.
The task force is pioneering acquisition reform practices to ensure the services and the entire joint force receive the critical technologies they need to maintain operational advantage and keep America safe.
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