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Pentagon Adds Counter-Drone Defenses to 46 US Sites

August 13, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

Pentagon's counter-drone group to add defenses to 46 US sites.
Group created a global priorities list with a few hundred installations.
JIATF-401 is taking a layered approach to drone defense.
High-energy lasers and high-power microwaves to be used in national airspace.

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Strategic Implications

The expansion of counter-drone defenses may indicate a growing concern about aerial threats to US installations. The use of high-energy lasers and high-power microwaves suggests a focus on advanced technologies to address these threats, which could have significant implications for the development of future drone defense systems.

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What Happened

Interagency Task Force Expands Drone Defense Capabilities Nationwide

The Pentagon’s interagency team focused on improving drone defenses, JIATF-401, is adding defenses to 46 US sites as part of a global priorities list. The group is taking a layered approach to drone defense, including the use of high-energy lasers and high-power microwaves in national airspace. JIATF-401 is also providing training, funding, and technical support to installations, and is working to establish a center of excellence for counter-drone training. This development was reported by Aerospace America.

Source | Originally Published: August 12, 2026

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