Military Chooses Initial Bases for Directed-Energy Counter-Drone Initiative
Five Military Installations Selected for Advanced Drone Defense Program
The U.S. Department of Defense has announced the selection of five military installations to participate in a directed-energy counter-drone program aimed at enhancing defenses against unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).
Selected Locations
Joint Interagency Task Force 401 has identified the following sites for the program:
- Fort Huachuca, Arizona
- Fort Bliss, Texas
- Naval Base Kitsap, Washington
- Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota
- Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri
The program is intended to support the development and evaluation of directed-energy systems for counter-drone missions, utilizing concentrated energy instead of traditional projectiles to neutralize threats. This may involve high-energy lasers or high-power microwave technology aimed at disabling or destroying drones.
Mission Profiles of Selected Bases
The chosen installations represent a diverse array of military missions and operational environments:
- Fort Huachuca: Known for intelligence and electronic warfare operations.
- Fort Bliss: Supports missile defense and air defense missions.
- Naval Base Kitsap: A major Navy installation in the Pacific Northwest.
- Grand Forks Air Force Base: An important site for unmanned aircraft operations and testing.
- Whiteman Air Force Base: Home to the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber fleet.
Details regarding specific systems to be tested at each location have not been disclosed, nor has a timeline for operational testing or deployment been provided.
Importance of Counter-Drone Defense
This announcement follows a recent incident in February, where civilian airspace over El Paso, Texas, was temporarily closed due to operational challenges associated with deploying directed-energy counter-UAS systems near commercial aviation. The situation highlighted the need for effective coordination between counter-drone operations and aviation safety, particularly after concerns arose regarding the use of a laser-based counter-UAS system near El Paso International Airport.
As small drones become increasingly prevalent in both military and civilian contexts, federal agencies have been expanding their counter-UAS programs. The Department of Defense has recognized low-cost unmanned aircraft as a significant operational concern due to their growing capabilities and the challenges they pose to traditional air defense systems.
The Pentagon continues to invest in directed-energy technologies as part of its modernization efforts, viewing these systems as a potential solution for engaging drones more cost-effectively and with quicker response times compared to conventional weapons systems. The selected sites are expected to play a crucial role in advancing the directed-energy counter-drone initiative as the program progresses.