Enhancing Defenses: Air Combat Command’s New Initiative Against Small Drones

In a strategic move to bolster the protection of U.S. military installations, the Air Combat Command (ACC) has established a dedicated team focused on developing and validating enhanced tactics, techniques, and procedures for countering small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS). This initiative reflects the military’s recognition of the evolving threats posed by small drones and aims to fortify defenses against these increasingly prevalent challenges.

The Formation of the Point Defense Battle Lab

In October, the ACC identified the 319th Reconnaissance Wing (RW), stationed at Grand Forks Air Base in North Dakota, as the lead entity for this new Point Defense Battle Lab. This collaboration hub is more than just a testing ground; it’s designed to contribute directly to the Air Force’s ongoing counter-sUAS efforts. Supported by the Kansas Air National Guard’s 184th Wing and relevant industry partners, the lab will conduct a series of exercises aimed at refining the defensive capabilities of military installations against small drones.

Mission and Objectives

The overarching goal of the Point Defense Battle Lab is to enhance the ACC’s Point Defense Task Force, part of a Department of the Air Force initiative dedicated to improving the service’s ability to protect its bases from evolving UAS threats, both domestically and internationally. According to Col. Alfred Rosales, commander of the 319th RW, the lab will focus on designing exercises that test the Air Force’s capacity to effectively detect, track, and neutralize emerging drone threats. This proactive approach emphasizes the readiness of the military in maintaining air superiority around its installations.

Col. Rosales articulated that the lab will not serve as a new test base for unproven technologies but will instead conduct simulations that enable the Air Force to showcase its resilience in defending against potential threats. “This is an opportunity for us to build out exercises… to maintain our tactical air superiority above the airfield,” he stated.

Responding to Recent Incursions

In light of multiple drone incursions over U.S. military bases in recent years, the Defense Department has intensified efforts to refine its counter-sUAS strategies. The establishment of the Army-led Joint Interagency Task Force 401 in August is a testament to the military’s commitment to enhancing its drone defense capabilities. By focusing on installation defenses, the task force aims to expand and integrate methodologies for addressing these novel threats.

Col. Rosales emphasized that although the drone threat had been recognized for years, it continues to morph in complexity and urgency. Thus, the Advent of the Point Defense Battle Lab is essential for addressing these challenges from fresh and innovative perspectives.

Collaboration with Industry and National Guard

Regular exercises hosted at Grand Forks Air Base will involve participation from industry vendors showcasing their existing counter-drone technologies. This collaborative framework facilitates a rich environment for airmen to engage with these technologies against simulated adversaries, testing and refining current tactics and procedures. The insights gained will empower ACC to adapt and refine its defensive strategies in real-time.

“We are allowing vendors to come in and our airmen to utilize their equipment… to build those tactics, techniques, and procedures,” explained Col. Rosales. This iterative learning process is instrumental for equipping the Air Force with valuable technical data and experiences.

Unique Partnerships and Resources

The partnership with the Kansas Air National Guard’s 184th Wing plays a pivotal role in the battle lab’s effectiveness. This National Guard unit was chosen for its extensive expertise in various mission areas, including cyber operations, air battle management, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. Col. Joe Deeds, commander of the 184th Wing, highlighted the ready availability of their team, stating they are fully prepared to collaborate with the 319th RW to elevate the security of Air Force installations.

Moreover, the Grand Forks installation’s unique relationship with GrandSKY, a commercial UAS business and aviation park, allows the base to utilize specialized facilities for these experiments. Col. Rosales mentioned that they are also evaluating the potential of utilizing the 184th’s Smoky Hill Air National Guard Range in Kansas for broader operational objectives.

A Comprehensive Tactical Approach

The formation of the Point Defense Battle Lab represents a holistic initiative to prepare airmen against emerging challenges. By jointly leveraging expertise from various domains—spanning air battle management to cyber operations—the initiative strives to create a well-rounded and resilient defense force. Col. Rosales encapsulated this ambition succinctly: “It’s all about trying to make our airmen ready for the next time we’re called upon to fight… regardless of where it comes from.”

This multi-faceted approach marks a significant development in how the military envisions countering the growing and evolving threats posed by small unmanned aerial systems. As the landscape of aerial threats continues to shift, the Air Force’s growing commitment to this critical area of defense reflects an agility and foresight essential for maintaining national security.