U.S. Air Force selects Grand Forks unit to lead Point Defence Battle Lab on counter-drone threats

By Martin Chomsky (Defence Industry Europe)

In October 2025, the 319th Reconnaissance Wing at Grand Forks Air Force Base was selected to lead the Point Defense Battle Lab, with support from the 184th Wing of the Kansas Air National Guard. The Total Force team will support Air Combat Command’s Point Defense Task Force as part of the Department of the Air Force’s broader counter small Unmanned Aircraft System effort.
Photo: U.S. Air Force.

In October 2025, the 319th Reconnaissance Wing at Grand Forks Air Force Base was selected to lead the Point Defense Battle Lab, with support from the 184th Wing of the Kansas Air National Guard. The Total Force team will support Air Combat Command’s Point Defense Task Force as part of the Department of the Air Force’s broader counter small Unmanned Aircraft System effort.

 

The Point Defense Battle Lab will act as a centre for collaboration, advancing counter-sUAS capabilities and supporting the development and evaluation of technologies to defend Air Force installations from evolving threats. Its work is intended to help the service maintain tactical superiority by improving the detection, tracking and neutralisation of airborne threats, including small Unmanned Aircraft Systems.

 

 

“The 319th Reconnaissance Wing is honored to lead the Point Defense Battle Lab alongside our Air National Guard partners,” said Col. Alfred Rosales, commander of the 319th Reconnaissance Wing. “Total Force integration enhances our ability to field emerging technologies and match our capabilities to the threat environment. The men and women of the 319th RW have extensive knowledge with unmanned, remotely piloted technology and will ensure our force is poised to secure our installations and defend the homeland.”

Air Combat Command selected the 184th Wing based on its current capabilities, missions, partnerships and alignment with counter-small UAS fielding timelines, including expertise in air battle management, cyber operations and AI-enabled intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

 

 

“This is a significant opportunity for the 184th Wing to leverage our expertise and contribute to a critical national security mission,” said Col. Joe Deeds, commander of the 184th Wing. “Our Air Battle Managers, cyber warriors, ISR operators and AI specialists are ready to work alongside the 319th Reconnaissance Wing to ensure the success of the Point Defense Battle Lab and to enhance the security of Air Force installations.”

 

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