Pentagon Selects 5 US Bases For Advanced Anti-Drone Defense Pilot Program | TheDefenseWatch.com
AI Analysis
The Pentagon is initiating a pilot program deploying directed-energy counter-UAS systems (high-energy lasers and high-powered microwaves) at five key US military bases. This program, led by the Army's JIATF-401, aims to address the increasing threat of unauthorized drone activity near critical infrastructure. Operational testing will occur across diverse environments, including border security and strategic asset protection.
Key Takeaways
- Five US military bases selected for the anti-drone pilot program: Fort Huachuca (AZ), Fort Bliss (TX), Naval Base Kitsap (WA), Grand Forks AFB (ND), and Whiteman AFB (MO).
- The program focuses on deploying and testing directed-energy weapons – high-energy lasers and high-powered microwaves – for counter-UAS operations.
- JIATF-401, established in 2025, is the Army-led organization coordinating domestic counter-drone efforts and leading this initiative.
- Testing will be conducted across varied environments and mission profiles, including southern border security and strategic infrastructure protection.
- The program reflects a growing concern within the DoD regarding the increasing frequency of unlawful drone activity near US military installations.
Why It Matters
This deployment signifies a shift towards more active and technologically advanced defenses against drone threats within the US homeland. Successful implementation of directed-energy systems could provide a non-kinetic, scalable solution for protecting critical infrastructure and military assets. The program’s results will likely influence future DoD counter-UAS procurement and deployment strategies.
Pentagon Selects 5 US Bases For Advanced Anti-Drone Defense Pilot Program | TheDefenseWatch.com
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Home» Pentagon Races To Deploy Anti-Drone Systems Across 5 Key US Bases
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Pentagon Races To Deploy Anti-Drone Systems Across 5 Key US Bases
The Defense Department is accelerating directed-energy counter-drone testing as small UAV threats grow around US military installations.
May 11, 2026
May 11, 2026 0 comments 4 minutes read
U.S. Army
75
Executive Summary: The Pentagon has selected five military installations for a new anti-drone pilot program focused on directed-energy weapons and advanced counter-UAS technologies.The initiative reflects growing concern over unauthorized drone activity near critical US military infrastructure and aims to accelerate operational deployment of laser and microwave defenses.
Pentagon Expands Anti-Drone Pilot Program Across US Bases
The Pentagon’s new anti-drone pilot program marks one of the most significant homeland defense counter-UAS initiatives launched by the Department of Defense in recent years. The effort will introduce advanced directed-energy systems, including high-energy lasers and high-powered microwave technologies, at five military installations across the United States.
Joint Interagency Task Force 401(JIATF-401), an Army-led organization established in 2025 to coordinate domestic counter-drone operations, selected the following bases for the pilot effort:
- Fort Huachuca, Arizona
- Fort Bliss, Texas
- Naval Base Kitsap, Washington
- Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota
- Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri
According to the Department of Defense, the selected sites were chosen to support operational testing across multiple environments and mission profiles, including southern border security missions and strategic infrastructure protection.
Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, director of JIATF-401, described unlawful drone activity as a growing homeland defense challenge