By Diyar Guldogan
WASHINGTON (AA) - The Secretary of the Army and Joint Interagency Task Force 401 convened an interagency meeting at the White House on Thursday to strengthen coordination across the US government against the growing threats posed by Small, Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (sUAS).
The meeting brought together senior leaders from across the federal enterprise to reinforce a whole-of-government approach to counter-drone operations, according to the US Army.
Participants discussed the rapid evolution of small drone technology, the need for advanced detection and defense integration, and opportunities to expand cooperation with industry partners.
"Small uncrewed aircraft systems are changing the character of modern warfare and homeland defense," said Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll.
"Adversaries are exploiting inexpensive and adaptable drone technology faster than our current acquisition system can handle. Countering this threat requires every element of the U.S. government working together with shared purpose and unity of effort."
Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, director of JIATF-401, said countering drones is "not just a battlefield problem — it’s a homeland defense imperative."
In July, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signed a memo to accelerate modernization of the nation’s drone program, boost domestic production and eliminate regulatory barriers that hinder innovation.
His memo follows President Donald Trump's executive order dated June 6 which directed the federal government to prioritize drone technology as a cornerstone of national defense strategy.