Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Defense | https://media.defense.gov
The Department of Defense has announced the formation of Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF 401) to address the increasing threat posed by hostile drones. Secretary Hegseth directed the Secretary of the Army to establish this new task force, which will unify personnel from various agencies with the goal of countering small unmanned aerial systems (C-sUAS).
The task force will report directly to the Deputy Secretary of Defense. This reporting structure is intended to improve coordination and streamline resources so that C-sUAS capabilities can be delivered more quickly to military personnel.
"We're moving fast — cutting through bureaucracy, consolidating resources, and empowering this task force with the utmost authority to outpace our adversaries," said Secretary Hegseth. "Make no mistake — under this administration and President Trump's leadership, we will innovate, we will lead, and we will win."
The Department stated its ongoing commitment to enhancing C-sUAS capabilities for protecting personnel, equipment, and facilities both domestically and overseas.
Further details about the directive are available in a memo posted by the Department.
