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DroneShield has announced the successful installation and acceptance of its DroneSentry-X Mk2 counter-uncrewed aircraft system units on US military infantry squad vehicles (ISVs) under its previously announced Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF-401) contract.
The milestone was achieved approximately 80 days after contract award, with DroneShield completing delivery, vehicle installation, acceptance testing, and operator training as part of the program.
Three additional DroneSentry-X Mk2 units are planned for installation under a recent modification to the contract. The completed work establishes initial operational capability for the deployed technology.
DroneSentry-X Mk2 provides vehicle-mounted detection and electronic countermeasure capabilities against uncrewed aerial threats.
Installed directly on the ISV, it gives forces a counter-UAS capability that can operate while mobile or stationary, extending protection beyond established bases and fixed infrastructure.
DroneShield personnel completed the vehicle installations and supported a full system acceptance test using live uncrewed aircraft. All operators were also trained as part of the delivery, moving the program beyond equipment handover to an accepted capability ready for operational use.
“Counter-UAS capability has to be deployable at the speed the threat is evolving,” said Nate Webb, director of strategic projects at DroneShield.
“In approximately 80 days, our team moved from contract award through delivery, vehicle installation, live-UAS acceptance testing and operator training.
“Reaching initial operational capability is a strong demonstration of what it takes to turn a counter-UAS requirement into capability in the field.”
Small uncrewed aircraft are increasingly shaping the operating environment, creating threats that are mobile, inexpensive, and difficult to address through fixed defences alone.
Vehicle-mounted counter-UAS gives forces the ability to carry detection and electronic countermeasure capability with them as they move, providing another layer of protection where permanent infrastructure is unavailable or impractical.
The JIATF-401 program builds on DroneShield’s more than a decade-long focus on counter-UAS and its growing support of US Department of War requirements.
The company develops RF sensing, electronic countermeasures, command-and-control software and AI-enabled technology across dismounted, mobile and fixed-site applications.
“We know that there is no silver bullet to defeat every drone threat and that counter-UAS capabilities go beyond technology,” said US Army Brigadier General Matt Ross, director of JIATF-401.
“The threat continues to change, and our work at the Southern Border is not finished. We will continue working alongside USNORTHCOM, JTF-SB and our interagency partners to deliver the capabilities our warfighters need to stay ahead of the threat, along with effective training and authorities that enable them to make the right decisions when countering drone threats at home and abroad.”
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