“JIATF-401 is continuously working to bolster the Services’ abilities to protect warfighters and individual installations,” said Col. Jason Idleman, chief for multi-domain operations division at JIATF-401. “This investment provides operators with the tools to detect, track, and defend against illicit drones. Providing top-tier technology to our warfighters enables them to effectively respond to these rapidly evolving threats.”
AeroVironment, which received the contract, will provide a range of scalable counter-unmanned aircraft systems capabilities. The Army said a key element of the systems is full interoperability, which is an important part of a strong, layered drone defense.
The capabilities can be configured for fixed-site or mobile employment, allowing them to support different operational needs. The first task order invests in AeroVironment’s Titan solution, which provides counter-unmanned aircraft systems detection and defeat options for complex operational environments.
“JIATF-401’s single measure of effectiveness is to rapidly deliver counter drone capabilities to our warfighters at home and abroad,” said Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, director of JIATF-401. “By investing in the latest technology, we are adding another tool in a layered defense so we can respond swiftly and effectively to any illicit drone threats.”
The investment is intended to support operators facing rapidly evolving drone threats. It also reflects JIATF-401’s effort to deliver counter-drone capabilities quickly to warfighters across the Joint Force.
The Army said the contract demonstrates JIATF-401’s ability to move rapidly through the acquisition process and deliver counter-drone capabilities at an accelerated pace. The effort is aimed at ensuring warfighters across the Joint Force remain lethal on today’s modern battlefield.
