The training brought together representatives from the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and the Federal Aviation Administration. Officials said the collaboration underscores the importance of interagency coordination to protect the National Capital Region through streamlined policy, joint operations and layered counter-UAS defenses.
Established in August 2025 by the Secretary of War, JIATF-401 is tasked with rapidly delivering advanced counter-UAS capabilities to U.S. forces domestically and overseas. During the April training, an Army UAS mission assurance team evaluated base defenses and shared tactical lessons for future operations.
“Drones pose a significant threat across various domains and environments,” said Nicholas Cunningham, commander of the 11th Security Forces Squadron. “It will require the full weight of our teams to mitigate risks and exploitation, but we are committed to protecting Airman, Guardians, families and assets from the evolving presence of s-UAS.”
Officials said the training is part of broader preparations across the National Capital Region for major events such as America’s 250th anniversary. Multiple agencies, including the Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice, are involved in ensuring comprehensive airspace security.
“Drones are the defining threat of our time, and no single agency or branch of service can tackle the problem alone,” said Matt Ross, director of JIATF-401. “A whole-of-government approach that streamlines policies and processes across the joint force is vital to counter the threat of drones in the homeland.”
JIATF-401 officials said improving counter-drone capabilities requires personnel, policy alignment, permissions and training. The task force is working to deliver tools and technology while simplifying procedures to enable faster response to threats.
“Cooperative training like this one involving all the branches of services is vital to a strong counter-drone defense,” said Morgan Griffith, a senior UAS pilot and analyst with Army Combat Capabilities Development Command.
The task force is also focused on integrating systems and expanding capabilities, including kinetic options within a layered defense. U.S. Northern Command is establishing mobile teams equipped with deployable systems designed to respond within 24 hours.
“There is no single solution to every drone threat,” Ross said. “A layered defense gives our warfighters the ability to choose the right tool for the right circumstances.”
Officials said the Department of War is pursuing additional technologies, including directed-energy systems, to strengthen counter-UAS capabilities. They added that combining awareness, diverse tools and integrated strategies is essential to protecting personnel and infrastructure.
“We are stronger together. Between industry partners, tactical operators, technological engineers and testing teams, everyone is needed to better protect people and assets from drones,” Cunningham said. “As adversaries create complex problems for the military to defeat, the joint force will also create complex problems for the adversary.”
Authorities said continued policy coordination, interagency cooperation and operational execution remain key to countering drone threats. The recent testing at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling reflects ongoing efforts to advance counter-drone strategies and enhance protection for Americans at home and abroad.
