JULY 6, 2026 – Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF-401) awarded an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity contract with a $500 million ceiling to increase counter unmanned aircraft systems (c-UAS capabilities) for warfighters and security personnel.
These capabilities directly support Domestic Shield, a program led by JIATF-401 to enhance counter drone defense in the homeland.
“JIATF-401 is continuously working to bolster the Services’ abilities to protect warfighters and individual installations,” said Col. Jason Idleman, chief for multi-domain operations division at JIATF-401. “This investment provides operators with the tools to detect, track, and defend against illicit drones. Providing top-tier technology to our warfighters enables them to effectively respond to these rapidly evolving threats.”
AeroVironment, which was awarded the contract, will deliver a range of scalable c-UAS capabilities.
A key element of these capabilities is their ability to be fully interoperable, which is a crucial component of a strong, layered drone defense.
These capabilities can be configured for either fixed-site or mobile employment.
The first task order invests in AeroVironment’s Titan solution for c-UAS detect and defeat options suited for complex operational environments.
“JIATF-401’s single measure of effectiveness is to rapidly deliver counter drone capabilities to our warfighters at home and abroad,” said Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, director of JIATF-401. “By investing in the latest technology, we are adding another tool in a layered defense so we can respond swiftly and effectively to any illicit drone threats.”
These investments demonstrate JIATF-401’s ability to rapidly maneuver the acquisition process and deliver counter drone capabilities at an accelerated pace, ensuring that warfighters across the Joint Force remain lethal on today’s modern battlefield.
Story by Lt. Col. Adam Scher
Headquarters Department of the Army