JIATF-401 Publishes Counter-UAS Handbook Drawing on Middle East and European Battlefield Experience

The Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF-401) has released a new handbook designed to help government agencies, industry stakeholders, and academic institutions develop a common understanding of drone threats and establish a foundational knowledge framework for Counter-UAS (C-UAS) operations.

The handbook, formally titled Small Drones, Big Problems: A First Principles Approach to Countering-UAS, is a key product of JIATF-401's mission to coordinate C-UAS efforts across the U.S. Department of Defense and federal interagency partners.

According to JIATF-401, the handbook establishes a shared C-UAS vocabulary and incorporates the latest operational lessons drawn from recent Middle East operations and the European theater. Its contents cover how adversaries employ drones, the principles of layered drone defense, and the critical factors that affect C-UAS operational effectiveness.

Layered Defense Architecture at the Core

The handbook emphasizes that no single capability can address every type of drone threat, and advocates for a layered defense approach combining multiple technologies and operational practices. It also highlights the importance of training, noting that personnel must possess not only relevant knowledge but also sufficient authority to respond effectively to drone threats.

Army Major Joe Amoroso, Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives at JIATF-401, stated: "As we work with the whole of government and interagency partners to address this growing threat, establishing a common baseline for counter-drone work is essential."

He added: "This guide shares key first principles and direct feedback from operators who work counter-UAS systems hands-on, giving the entire community the means, methods, and concepts to address today's decisive threat."

Supporting the Continued Expansion of Common Understanding

JIATF-401 stated that the handbook is intended to serve as a common reference for organizations involved in defending against unlawful drone activity, thereby supporting the continued expansion of C-UAS capabilities.

Army Brigadier General Matt Ross, Director of JIATF-401, noted: "While there is no silver bullet to fully counter drones, the threat can be effectively mitigated if we are proactive, work with our partners across government, and build layered defenses."

He further stated: "We have faced unprecedented challenges before and should not be deterred now. We should lean in and take every possible step to prepare ourselves to prevail on the modern battlefield."

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