U.S. Defense Secretary Orders New Task Force to Counter Drone Threats

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that he has directed Army Secretary Daniel P. Driscoll to formally establish a new joint task force to address the growing threat of hostile drones.

The initiative, called Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF 401), will bring together personnel from multiple agencies to strengthen U.S. defenses against unmanned aerial systems (UAS).

“Our job here at the Pentagon is to prepare for the threats of the future and build a force to match them, defeat them, and outpace them,” Hegseth said in a video message. “There’s no doubt that the threats we face today from hostile drones grow by the day.”

According to Hegseth, drones are increasingly being operated overseas and near U.S. borders with the potential to target warfighters, bases, and national airspace. He said the new task force will provide a unified response and ensure control of American skies.

“It’s called counter-UAS — counter-unmanned aerial systems — and America will be the best at it,” Hegseth stated.

The Pentagon said JIATF 401 will report directly to the Deputy Secretary of Defense to streamline authority, align resources, and quickly deploy counter-drone technologies.

“We’re moving fast — cutting through bureaucracy, consolidating resources, and empowering this task force with the utmost authority to outpace our adversaries,” Hegseth said.

He emphasized that the Department of Defense is working to deliver real solutions that protect U.S. personnel, equipment, and facilities worldwide. “They deserve to be defended by the best,” he added.