JANUARY 9, 2026 – In October 2025, the 319th Reconnaissance Wing assigned to Grand Forks Air Force Base was selected to lead the Point Defense Battle Lab, supported by the 184th Wing, Kansas Air National Guard. The Total Force team at the battle lab supports Air Combat Command’s Point Defense Task Force, a larger Counter Small Unmanned Aircraft System effort within the Department of the Air Force.
The Point Defense Battle Lab will serve as a hub for collaboration, pushing boundaries in C-sUAS capabilities, ensuring the Air Force maintains tactical superiority against evolving threats, and is a key part of the service’s effort to develop and evaluate advanced technologies to defend installations from sUAS threats.
“The 319th Reconnaissance Wing is honored to lead the Point Defense Battle Lab alongside our Air National Guard partners,” said Col. Alfred Rosales, 319th RW commander. “Total Force integration enhances our ability to field emerging technologies and match our capabilities to the threat environment. The men and women of the 319th RW have extensive knowledge with unmanned, remotely piloted technology and will ensure our force is poised to secure our installations and defend the homeland.”
The PDBL is a critical initiative within the Department of the Air Force, designed to safeguard installations, protect vital assets and ensure continuity of air operations. Specifically, the PDBL will focus on developing and validating tactics, techniques and procedures for countering a wide range of airborne threats, including small Unmanned Aircraft Systems. The Battle Lab’s efforts will enhance the Air Force’s ability to detect, track and neutralize these airborne threats effectively.
Air Combat Command selected the 184th Wing, in partnership with the 319th Reconnaissance Wing, based on combined current capabilities, missions, industry and academia partnerships and alignment with counter-small UAS fielding timelines. The 184th Wing was specifically selected for its expertise in air battle management, cyber operations and AI-enabled intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. The 134th Air Control Squadron’s continued efforts with the Air Base Air Defense System-Missile Defense, which has already positioned the 184th Wing as a leader in airbase defense, will also be contributing to the efforts of the Battle Lab.
“This is a significant opportunity for the 184th Wing to leverage our expertise and contribute to a critical national security mission,” said Col. Joe Deeds, commander of the 184th Wing. “Our Air Battle Managers, cyber warriors, ISR operators and AI specialists are ready to work alongside the 319th Reconnaissance Wing to ensure the success of the Point Defense Battle Lab and to enhance the security of Air Force installations.”
The Point Defense Battle Lab will drive innovation and collaboration across the Total Force to address the growing challenges from increasingly widespread use of small Unmanned Aircraft Systems. By integrating the expertise of the 319th Reconnaissance Wing and the 184th Wing, the PDBL will deliver critical tactical-level data, advanced site design concepts and cutting-edge integration strategies for emerging technologies. Additionally, the lab will spearhead operational experiments and red teaming initiatives, ensuring the Air Force remains agile and prepared to counter evolving threats. Through its efforts, the PDBL strengthens the Point Defense Task Force’s ability to safeguard airpower, maintain combat readiness and confidently respond to emerging challenges, further securing Air Force installations and operations.
By Master Sgt. BreeAnn Sachs
319th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs