JIATF-401, JTF-NCR strengthen homeland defense with counter-UAS training in National Capital Region

WASHINGTON - Joint Interagency Task Force 401 and Joint Task Force-National Capital Region recently coordinated a training exercise at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, as part of a synchronized effort to advance counter-drone capabilities in the National Capital Region.

Soldiers from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) are undergoing special training on the Bumblebee V1 counter-UAS system as part of a broader effort to strengthen layered defenses protecting key Department of War infrastructure in the homeland. The training focuses on equipping Soldiers with the ability to detect, track, identify and defeat drones with minimal risk to surrounding personnel and facilities.

"We want to train our warfighters in the National Capital Region on how best to employ low cost, low collateral kinetic effectors," said Lt. Col. Alex Morse, JIATF-401 acquisition lead. "The training at Ft. Belvoir adds to the layered defense systems that are set up here in the NCR."

The Bumblebee system is a small drone that is being operationally assessed for dual use as a reconnaissance asset and a counter-UAS platform that allows operators to identify and intercept hostile drones using a controlled, low-collateral approach.

"Bumblebee's improved air-to-air capability will enhance our layered defenses by enabling warfighters to follow drones back to their launch point to identify the operator, or by destroying them in the air with minimal risk to people or property on the ground." said Lt. Col. Adam Scher, JIATF-401 spokesperson.

JIATF-401 is focused on creating a layered defense against the threat of drones by integrating systems and rapidly increasing capabilities. By synchronizing efforts with JTF-NCR, JIATF-401 is leading a whole-of-government approach to protect the homeland through innovation and interoperability. The addition of Bumblebee systems represents a deliberate step in expanding the tools available for our warfighters to use against the persistent threat of UAS.

"Countering drones is both a battlefield and a homeland defense imperative. We have to work together, share information, and leverage the entire joint force along with interagency and law enforcement partners to keep pace with this threat," said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, director of JIATF-401.

"We will not be limited to library-based radio frequency defeat systems as we protect against drone threats," said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Ross, director of JIATF-401. "We must be proactive with a layered defense, including kinetic defeat options at every War Department base or facility."

As unmanned threats evolve, success will depend not only on acquiring top-tier technology, but also on ensuring our warfighters are properly trained and have the necessary permissions to effectively employ c-UAS technology in defense of the homeland.