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US Conceives Integrated Strategic Plan to Combat Modern Aerial Drone Threats.
The United States Department of Defense (DoD) announced on December 2, 2024, the adoption of a Strategy to Counter Unmanned Systems, signed by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III. This key strategy addresses the growing threat posed by Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, which are transforming battlefields while creating vulnerabilities both in the United States and abroad. By consolidating its efforts, the DoD aims to adopt a unified and forward-looking approach to counter these ever-evolving threats across multiple domains.
High Energy Laser Weapon C-UAS (Picture source: Lockheed Martin)
Drones currently represent the most pressing challenge among unmanned systems, posing a significant danger to U.S. personnel, infrastructure, and strategic resources. Thanks to rapid advancements in technologies such as artificial intelligence, autonomy, and connected networks, these systems have become increasingly accessible and sophisticated. Used by states and non-state actors, they disrupt traditional operational principles by facilitating surveillance, attacks, and the disorganization of adversary forces. By reducing the human, financial, and reputational costs of conflicts, they democratize precision strike capabilities and increase the risk of unpredictable escalations, making deterrence more complex. The new strategy builds on existing initiatives like the creation of the Joint Counter-Small UAS Office, the establishment of the Warfighter Senior Integration Group to address urgent operational needs, and the launch of the Replicator 2 initiative to protect critical installations against small aerial systems.
The Joint Counter-Small UAS Office (JCO), established in 2019, was designed to centralize and coordinate the Department of Defense's (DoD) efforts in addressing the growing threats posed by small drones. These systems, widely used by armed groups and states since the mid-2010s, have become particularly concerning in conflict zones such as Ukraine, where their role has been amplified since the Russian invasion in 2022. These drones enable adversaries to monitor, disrupt, or attack sensitive forces and installations at a lower cost. The JCO plays a key role in developing technical and operational solutions to detect, neutralize, or destroy these systems while ensuring the rapid integration of innovations into the armed forces. In partnership with civilian agencies and international allies, it has been contributing since its inception to defining global standards and improving the interoperability of countermeasure systems.
Meanwhile, the Warfighter Senior Integration Group (WSIG), established in 2021, was created to address urgent operational needs related to the increasing use of unmanned systems in conflict zones, a phenomenon widely observed in recent clashes in Ukraine. Since 2022, drones have played a crucial role in the war between Russia and Ukraine, redefining military tactics by enabling precision strikes and constant surveillance. This group brings together multidisciplinary experts to rapidly design and deploy solutions tailored to on-the-ground challenges. Launched in 2023, the Replicator 2 initiative specifically focused on defending critical installations against drones, incorporating lessons learned from the fighting in Ukraine and leveraging advanced detection and neutralization technologies. Together, these programs provide a comprehensive and proactive response to the evolving drone landscape, thereby enhancing the security of U.S. armed forces and strategic infrastructures.
A key element of this strategy is the designation of the NORTHCOM and INDOPACOM commanders as the primary coordinators of efforts against UAS on national territory, ensuring a harmonized and effective response. This measure reflects the DoD's commitment to developing an integrated defense capable of addressing threats in all theaters of operation while leveraging emerging technologies.
This strategy is structured around five main pillars. The first involves understanding and anticipating trends in unmanned systems, notably by enhancing threat detection and analysis capabilities. The second aims to disrupt the networks supporting these technologies by targeting the production and proliferation chains of UAS through coordinated campaigns with other U.S. agencies. The third pillar emphasizes active and passive defense against these systems, with clarification of command chains and integration into military doctrines, training, and infrastructures. The fourth seeks to accelerate innovation and the implementation of effective countermeasures through modular solutions, agile approaches, and strengthened cooperation with allies and partners. Finally, the fifth pillar focuses on adapting future forces by integrating UAS countermeasures into the structure and capabilities of the armed forces to respond to new methods of warfare.
To ensure the success of this strategy, the DoD adopts a continuous campaign approach, collaborating with government partners, international allies, and the defense industry to align resources, capabilities, and usage standards for unmanned systems. This strategy marks a decisive step in responding to the challenges posed by these technologies, although its effectiveness will require constant reassessment in the face of rapidly evolving threats. It thus lays the foundation for a coherent and proactive action plan to protect the strategic interests of the United States.
Since 2019, the Department of Defense (DoD) has collaborated with defense companies to develop and deploy several systems designed to counter drones and the threats posed by unmanned systems. Among the technologies already operational, the Coyote Block 2, an interceptor drone designed by Raytheon Technologies, has been in service since 2021. Equipped with advanced sensors and high speed, it is particularly effective in neutralizing enemy drones in mid-flight, including those used in swarms. Additionally, directed energy-based systems, such as the HELWS (High Energy Laser Weapon System) anti-drone laser developed by Northrop Grumman, offer an economical and effective single-shot solution. Used since 2022 to protect sensitive military bases, these systems complement radio frequency jammers like the DroneDefender designed by Battelle, which disrupt enemy drone communications by immobilizing them or forcing them to land.
In parallel, several ongoing development projects aim to address emerging threats. The Replicator 2 initiative, launched in 2023, focuses on modular systems capable of countering autonomous and sophisticated drones, including swarms. It incorporates solutions such as Northrop Grumman's AN/TPS-80 G/ATOR radar, which enhances drone detection in complex and varied environments. Finally, the Valkyrie project, a stealth drone under development since 2020 by Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, is tasked with countering adversary drones while supporting electronic warfare operations. These systems, the result of collaborations between the DoD and key defense industry players, illustrate a proactive technological response to the rapidly evolving threats associated with unmanned systems.