PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. –
PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. – The Commander, U.S. Northern Command will serve as the lead synchronizer for Homeland Counter small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (HC-sUAS) Department of Defense operations in the Continental United States and Alaska as designated by the Secretary of Defense.
The role enables USNORTHCOM to align and focus various DOD HC-sUAS efforts into a cohesive approach to include synchronizing, integrating, and coordinating efforts within its area of responsibility. This involves preparing to conduct counter-sUAS operations, establishing and maintaining a response plan, and tracking and responding to sUAS incidents. USNORTHCOM will also develop and maintain a laydown of counter-UAS equipment and its availability and assist military services with counter-sUAS training. Ultimately, the mission ensures support to the Military Departments and other DOD components in the protection of installations, facilities, sites, and assets.
At the operational level, USNORTHCOM maintains relationships with federal partners, such as the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, and the Federal Aviation Administration, which allows the command to streamline response procedures and share information. While the military services and installation commanders will retain the responsibility of providing force protection for their installations, facilities, sites, and assets, USNORTHCOM can coordinate the availability of technology to installations or agencies requesting assistance.
“Through this new strategy, USNORTHCOM will synchronize whole-of-government efforts to better respond to UAS incidents at military installations and surge support if needed. The support can come from a government partner or, when fielded, a USNORTHCOM fly away kit. If there’s a threat at an installation that doesn’t have sufficient C-sUAS capability, USNORTHCOM could fly in a capability to address the threat, and then return to an alert status,” said Gen. Greg Guillot, Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command.
Guided by the Department of Defense Strategy for Countering Unmanned Systems signed by the Secretary of Defense on December 2, 2024, USNORTHCOM will continue to work with industry and the Services to develop counter-sUAS systems that can effectively detect, track, identify, and mitigate sUAS threats in the homeland. Experiments like USNORTHCOM’s recent Falcon Peak 25 Counter-sUAS experiment directly contribute to countering the continuing concern posed by small, unmanned aircraft systems.
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NOTE TO EDITORS: For further information, please contact U.S. Northern Command Public Affairs at (719) 554-6889 or email us at n-ncpa.omb@mail.mil.
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