Air Force Initiates Search for Drone Operators at Domestic Bases
Air Force Seeks Solutions for Drone Threats at Domestic Bases
The U.S. Air Force is taking proactive measures to address the increasing threat posed by small drones at its installations. This week, the service’s Point Defense Battle Lab (PDBL) issued two Requests for Information (RFIs) aimed at acquiring systems capable of detecting and neutralizing these aerial threats.
The Role of the Point Defense Battle Lab
Located at Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota, the PDBL was established in October 2025, with the 319th Reconnaissance Wing leading the initiative alongside the 184th Wing of the Kansas Air National Guard. The lab is tasked with enhancing the Air Force’s defensive capabilities against drone incursions, shifting its focus from purely defensive measures to offensive strategies.
This shift indicates a desire for systems that can not only detect threats but also engage and eliminate them before they can cause harm.
Details of the Requests for Information
The two RFIs focus on different aspects of counter-drone technology:
- Kinetic Hard-Kill RFI: This request seeks “rapidly deployable” systems that can be set up by a team of four in two hours or less. The desired systems include:
- APKWS mid-range precision vehicle and container launchers
- Large-caliber 30mm airburst guns
- Small-caliber automated weapon stations
- Drone-on-drone autonomous kinetic interceptors
- High-energy lasers in the 2 to 20 kilowatt range
- High-power microwave systems capable of engaging swarms
- Detection RFI: This request emphasizes the need for systems that can track Group 1 drones at ranges of up to 1.2 miles, with secondary interest in Groups 2 and 3. Key requirements include:
- Functionality in GPS-degraded environments
- Ability to discriminate real targets from radar clutter
- Capability to track multiple drones simultaneously
Understanding Drone Classifications
The RFIs focus on different drone classifications, which are essential for understanding the detection requirements:
- Group 1: Drones weighing less than 20 pounds, operating below 1,200 feet at speeds under 100 knots.
- Group 2: Drones weighing between 21 and 55 pounds, flying below 3,500 feet at under 250 knots.
- Group 3: Drones weighing between 55 and 1,320 pounds, flying below 18,000 feet.
Group 1 drones are particularly challenging to detect and are often the most likely to approach military installations unnoticed.
Combat-Proven Solutions and Current Needs
The inclusion of the APKWS system in the kinetic hard-kill RFI is significant due to its proven effectiveness against drones in combat scenarios. The system enhances standard rockets with laser guidance, making them more precise and cost-effective compared to traditional munitions.
Recent tests have confirmed the APKWS’s capability to neutralize drones weighing between 25 and 50 pounds, demonstrating its viability for ground-launch applications.
Urgency of the Situation
Drone incursions at U.S. military bases have escalated from minor nuisances to serious security concerns. The RFIs emphasize rapid deployability and operational effectiveness in extreme weather conditions, reflecting the urgency of the Air Force’s response to this evolving threat.
The Air Force aims to avoid reliance on single-source vendors, learning from recent conflicts where supply chains were tested. Both RFIs have a submission deadline of April 30, and the PDBL plans to conduct monthly industry demonstrations throughout 2026.
Conclusion
The Air Force’s initiatives signal a recognition of the growing threat posed by small drones and a commitment to enhancing its defensive capabilities. The effectiveness of these measures will depend on the industry’s ability to deliver integrated solutions that meet the Air Force’s operational needs.