15. December 2025
Pentagon Unleashes Power On Drone Acquisition As New Task Force Takes Charge
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) has given the Pentagon’s new counter-small-drone task force, Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF-401), extraordinary authority over acquisition programs across the armed forces. This includes the power to set technical standards, run field tests, and, if a system doesn’t pass muster, forbid the armed services from acquiring it.
According to Col. Jonathan “Hammer” Beha, JIATF-401’s chief of requirements, data analysis, and training, this acquisition authority is a significant development in the fight against small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS). The NDAA’s language gives statutory teeth and clarity to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s vision for JIATF-401, which was first announced in an August 27 memo. This memo stated that the task force would be “empowered to determine whether new Military Service-specific C-sUAS will be adopted.” The law now provides a strong congressional endorsement of this vision, giving the task force the authority to make decisions on behalf of the services.
The counter-drone domain is a rapidly evolving threat, with small drones being used in various parts of the world. Europe, the Middle East, and even the homeland have all seen an increase in drone usage, making it essential for the military to develop effective countermeasures. JIATF-401’s authority over acquisition programs will help standardize testing and evaluation procedures, which are currently lacking. Different organizations test counter-drone systems using different standards, making it challenging to compare their effectiveness.
The task force is already moving quickly, having delivered some requirements and equipment within its first 100 days. Col. Beha emphasized that JIATF-401 will focus on synchronizing the services’ counter-drone programs, rather than attempting to develop all of these capabilities in-house. The task force will also run research and development efforts, but its primary goal is to leverage the expertise of the services.
One area where JIATF-401 can add significant value is by establishing standards for testing counter-drone defenses. This is a critical aspect of evaluating the effectiveness of different systems. Draft test standards are already being developed and will be finalized soon. The task force can also serve as a central clearinghouse for data on counter-drone operations, much like the Air Force’s 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing.
The JIATF-401’s authority is not absolute, however. There is an important legal detail in Section 912(e), paragraph 3 of the NDAA that allows override of the task force’s veto under strict conditions. This override can only be made by a service’s Senate-confirmed senior acquisition executive or the undersecretary for acquisition for the entire department. Additionally, the decision must be justified in advance, in writing, to Congress.
While this language may seem procedural, it is essential to understand its implications. The override process would require significant political effort and justification from the relevant stakeholders. This suggests that JIATF-401’s authority will be a powerful tool for the task force, but not absolute.
The organization that JIATF-401 replaced, the Joint Counter-Small UAS Office (JCO), was widely considered too weak to impose discipline on the sprawling profusion of programs to defeat small drones. As Air Force program executive officer Lea Kirkwood said, “the JCO… didn’t have a lot of teeth, didn’t have a lot of acquisition authority.” This highlights the need for a more robust and effective approach to counter-drone efforts.
JIATF-401’s ability to set technical standards and run field tests will be critical in evaluating the effectiveness of different systems. Col. Beha emphasized that the task force is already working on establishing draft test standards, which will help standardize testing procedures. The task force can also leverage its authority to acquire equipment and change processes to make them move faster.
Looking ahead, JIATF-401 aims to add value by helping the services identify best-in-breed solutions. This includes developing standards for testing counter-drone defenses, as well as establishing a central clearinghouse for data on counter-drone operations. The task force will also explore new technologies and start new programs as needed to cover gaps in what the services are doing.
In recent years, the use of small drones has become increasingly prevalent in various parts of the world. From Europe to the Middle East, and even the homeland, these drones have been used for a range of purposes, including surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat. The military is taking notice of this trend and is developing strategies to counter the threat.
One of the key challenges facing the military is the lack of standardization in testing procedures. Different organizations test counter-drone systems using different standards, making it difficult or impossible to compare their effectiveness. JIATF-401’s authority over acquisition programs will help address this issue by establishing a set of technical standards that can be used across the services.
Another critical aspect of countering small drones is data sharing and coordination. The military needs access to accurate and timely information on counter-drone operations, which can inform decision-making and resource allocation. JIATF-401’s ability to serve as a central clearinghouse for data will help address this need.
In addition to setting technical standards and running field tests, JIATF-401 will also play a critical role in evaluating the effectiveness of different systems. The task force will be responsible for assessing the performance of counter-drone systems and providing recommendations for improvement. This will involve analyzing data from various sources, including the services’ own testing programs, as well as other organizations.
The development of effective countermeasures against small drones requires a coordinated effort between the military, industry, and academia. JIATF-401’s authority over acquisition programs will help facilitate this effort by providing a unified framework for evaluating and acquiring counter-drone systems.
One potential area of focus for JIATF-401 is the development of standardized test protocols. By establishing a set of technical standards that can be used across the services, the task force can help ensure that testing procedures are consistent and reliable. This will enable more accurate comparisons between different systems and inform decision-making on resource allocation.
Another critical aspect of countering small drones is the development of new technologies and capabilities. JIATF-401’s authority to explore new technologies and start new programs as needed will be essential in addressing emerging threats and opportunities. The task force will need to stay ahead of the curve by identifying promising technologies and developing them into viable solutions.
The growing threat of small drones requires a coordinated response from the military. JIATF-401’s ability to set technical standards, run field tests, and acquire equipment will be critical in developing effective countermeasures. As the task force continues to move forward, it is essential to monitor its progress and provide support for its efforts.
In conclusion, the NDAA’s provision of extraordinary authority to JIATF-401 is a significant development in the fight against small drones. By giving the task force control over acquisition programs, the law provides statutory teeth and clarity to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s vision for a unified counter-drone effort. While there may be limitations on this authority, it is essential to understand the potential impact that JIATF-401 can have on standardizing testing procedures and evaluating the effectiveness of different systems.
The military needs to recognize the importance of coordination and data sharing in countering small drones. JIATF-401’s ability to serve as a central clearinghouse for data will help address this need, providing access to accurate and timely information on counter-drone operations. By leveraging its authority over acquisition programs, the task force can help ensure that resources are allocated effectively and that decision-making is informed by the best available data.
In the end, countering small drones requires a comprehensive approach that involves coordination between the military, industry, and academia. JIATF-401’s authority over acquisition programs will play a critical role in facilitating this effort, providing a unified framework for evaluating and acquiring counter-drone systems. As the task force continues to move forward, it is essential to monitor its progress and provide support for its efforts.
JIATF-401’s efforts will be crucial in developing effective countermeasures against small drones. The task force’s ability to set technical standards, run field tests, and acquire equipment will be critical in addressing this emerging threat. By staying ahead of the curve and identifying promising technologies, JIATF-401 can help ensure that the military is prepared to face this growing threat.