The Department of War’s Joint Inter-Agency Task Force 401 announced sweeping new counter-drone guidance on Monday, granting military commanders expanded authority to defend installations against unmanned aerial threats.
The policy eliminates previous “fence-line” restrictions and allows commanders to act against drones conducting surveillance beyond installation perimeters. The changes reflect growing concerns about cheap, weaponizable drones threatening military facilities across the homeland. Officials say adversaries increasingly exploit gaps in current defenses to surveil operations and harass American forces.
“Drones are a defining threat for our time, Technology is evolving fast and our policies and c-UAS strategy here at home must adapt to meet this reality,” said Brigadier General Matt Ross, Director of JIATF-401. “Countering drones does not start and stop at the fence line. With this new guidance, installation commanders are empowered to address threats as they develop, and the guidance makes clear that unauthorized drone flights are a surveillance threat even before they breach an installation perimeter.”
The guidance, signed on December 8, 2025, consolidates existing counter-UAS policies under federal code. It provides commanders operational flexibility through expanded defensive perimeters and streamlined threat identification procedures.
Key updates allow commanders to determine threats based on “totality of circumstances.” Unauthorized surveillance of designated facilities now explicitly constitutes a threat, enabling proactive responses.
The policy enhances interagency cooperation, authorizing data sharing with the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice. Trained contractor personnel can now serve as counter-UAS operators, addressing staffing challenges.
Service Secretaries gained authority to designate protected facilities based on risk assessments. They can delegate this power to Service Chiefs for rapid implementation where needed most.
Installation commanders have 60 days to issue site-specific operating procedures. The guidance directs vulnerability assessments, training drills, and the development of robust defensive postures.
JIATF-401 will support the transition through Joint C-sUAS University training and validated equipment options.
“JIATF-401 is an entirely joint, interagency endeavor dedicated to defeating small UAS,” Ross said.
“Hardware alone is not sufficient. We need to train service members and work in concert with interagency partners so that we’re all pulling together toward the same mission.”
The initiative signals the Department’s adaptation to rapidly evolving threats. Officials emphasize maintaining military readiness against emerging aerial technologies threatening homeland security.
