WARRENTON, Va. — DroneShield has completed the installation, testing and operational acceptance of its DroneSentry-X Mk2 counter-uncrewed aircraft systems (C-UAS) on U.S. military Infantry Squad Vehicles (ISVs) under the Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF-401) program.
The work was completed in approximately 80 days after the contract was awarded. DroneShield handled system delivery, vehicle integration, live-uncrewed-aircraft acceptance testing and operator training. The completion establishes Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for the deployed systems. A recent contract modification also calls for three additional DroneSentry-X Mk2 units.
Mobile Counter-Drone System
The DroneSentry-X Mk2 is a compact vehicle-mounted system designed to detect uncrewed aircraft and use electronic countermeasures against them. Mounted directly on the ISV, the system can operate while the vehicle is stationary or moving, allowing mobile infantry units to carry counter-UAS capability with them instead of relying only on fixed installations.
DroneShield personnel supervised the mechanical and electrical installation and conducted live-flight testing using uncrewed aircraft. Military operators also received training as part of the acceptance process.
“Counter-UAS capability has to be deployable at the speed the threat is evolving,” said Nate Webb, Director of Strategic Projects at DroneShield. He said the company completed delivery, vehicle installation, live-UAS acceptance testing and operator training in approximately 80 days.
Contract and U.S. Military Support
The contract was announced in June 2026 and has an initial value of A$19.3 million, with A$5.6 million in options over five years, for a potential total value of A$24.9 million. It covers mobile and fixed-site counter-drone solutions, including hardware, subscriptions, warranties and services. DroneShield is also required to purchase and install third-party interoperable systems. Deliveries are scheduled across 2026 and 2027.
JIATF-401 coordinates counter-UAS efforts across the U.S. joint force and supports missions involving U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), Joint Task Force-Southern Border (JTF-SB) and interagency partners.
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, director of JIATF-401, said there is no single solution for every drone threat and that effective counter-UAS operations also require training and appropriate authorities. He said the task force will continue working with USNORTHCOM, JTF-SB and other partners on counter-drone capabilities for operations at home and abroad.
The Infantry Squad Vehicle is a lightweight tactical platform designed to carry a nine-soldier infantry squad and up to 3,200 pounds of payload. It can also be transported by helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft.
DroneShield said the DroneSentry-X Mk2 has also been added to the JIATF-401 C-UAS Marketplace, allowing authorized U.S. government agencies and allied military purchasers to acquire counter-UAS equipment through the program.
——— End of Article ———
