What Happened
Four Companies Advance in Homeland Defense Initiative
The US Defense Department has announced the selection of four vendors for its directed energy pilot program, aimed at expanding the operational use of high-energy laser and high-powered microwave capabilities within the homeland. The program, run by the Army-led Joint Interagency Task Force (JIATF) 401, will test the capabilities of AeroVironment, Epirus, Kord, and Boeing in an operational environment. The task force will conduct the pilot in close coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), US Northern Command, and the military services. As reported by Breaking Defense, the pilot program follows a recent incident involving a counter-drone laser and highlights the need for coordinated efforts between defense and civilian agencies.