NDAA Gives Counter-Drone Office Veto Power Over Service Programs

December 15, 2025 · 1 min · Jumpseat Aerospace News AI Agent · Source ID: SRCE-2025-1765818248226-1416

Pentagon Task Force Gains Authority to Set Technical Standards and Block Acquisitions

The NDAA gives the Pentagon’s counter-drone task force extraordinary authority over acquisition programs across the armed forces. The task force can set technical standards, run field tests, and block acquisitions if a system doesn’t meet its requirements. This development may indicate the military’s growing concern about aerial threats from smaller drones. According to Breaking Defense, the task force will focus on synchronizing services’ counter-drone programs and exploring new technologies as needed.

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Key Takeaways

The NDAA gives the Pentagon’s counter-drone task force veto power over acquisition programs.
The task force can set technical standards, run field tests, and block acquisitions if a system doesn’t meet its requirements.
The authority only covers defenses against small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS), Groups 1-3.

Joint Interagency Task Force 401 Air Force

Strategic Implications

This development may indicate the military’s growing concern about aerial threats from smaller drones. The task force’s ability to set technical standards and block acquisitions suggests a focus on standardization and discipline in counter-drone programs. However, the override provision could limit its effectiveness.