JIATF-401 Inspects Whiteman AFB Counter-UAS Operations Ahead of Directed Energy Pilot Program
Leadership from Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF-401) visited Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri to assess counter-UAS (C-UAS) operations in preparation for an upcoming directed energy pilot program. The inspection focused on how the 509th and 131st Bomb Wings integrate C-UAS technology, physical security measures, and operational procedures to strengthen defenses against drone threats.
Highlights
- JIATF-401 leadership visited Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri to inspect C-UAS operations in preparation for a directed energy pilot program.
- The 509th Bomb Wing and 131st Bomb Wing are integrating C-UAS technology, physical security measures, and locally developed concepts of operations to counter drone threats.
- Tech. Sgt. Brent Keefler, 509th Bomb Wing C-UAS section chief, stated that JIATF-401-provided tools and training have enabled faster and more effective drone threat responses.
- Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, JIATF-401 director, emphasized that commander ownership of the counter-drone mission is as important as technology when assessing base defense capability.
- The visit aligns with the DoD's broader effort to expand protection of personnel and critical infrastructure against drone threats across U.S. military installations.
JIATF-401 Inspects Whiteman AFB Ahead of Directed Energy Pilot Program
Leadership from the Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF-401) recently visited Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri to assess the base's counter-UAS (C-UAS) operations in preparation for an upcoming directed energy pilot program.
Integrating Technology and Physical Security
The inspection centered on how the 509th Bomb Wing and 131st Bomb Wing are strengthening their defenses against drone threats by combining C-UAS technology, physical security measures, and operational procedures.
During the visit, JIATF-401 officials held in-depth discussions with base personnel on infrastructure upgrades, engagement authorization frameworks, and practical approaches to overcoming systems integration challenges. Discussions also covered the use of counter-drone capabilities within the homeland security context, with particular attention given to locally developed concepts of operations used to defend the installation.
Security forces personnel demonstrated C-UAS systems provided by JIATF-401 and explained how the equipment is being employed to enhance base defense.
Training and Technology Working in Tandem
Tech. Sgt. Brent Keefler, who also serves as the 509th Bomb Wing's Counter-UAS and Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems section chief, said the task force's support has significantly improved the unit's ability to respond to drone threats.
"The tools and training JIATF-401 has provided allow us to respond to drone threats faster and more effectively," Keefler said. "Having both the technical equipment and the training to act on it gives our team greater confidence in protecting the base and our personnel."
Commander Awareness Is the Key Factor
The visit comes as JIATF-401 continues to provide military installations with C-UAS technical and operational expertise, while the Department of Defense expands its broader efforts to protect personnel and critical infrastructure from drone threats.
Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, director of JIATF-401, emphasized that the effectiveness of a base's C-UAS posture cannot depend on equipment alone.
"When I assess a base's counter-UAS capability, I don't just look at the equipment or asset placement on a map," Ross said. "I ask which commanders own the mission of defending the installation from drone threats. The leadership and airmen at Whiteman have shown outstanding initiative and capability in that mission."
Related coverage: An FBI deputy director has warned that a drone attack on the U.S. homeland is "a matter of when, not if."
Image credit: U.S. Air Force
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