Pentagon Taps Five Bases to Pilot Drone Defense Program

May 15, 2026
DOD/Pentagon | Drones | On Base

Five installations will pilot new systems for drone defense, Defense News reported. The Pentagon selected:  

  • Fort Huachuca, Arizona 
  • Fort Bliss, Texas 
  • Naval Base Kitsap, Washington 
  • Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota  
  • Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri  

“Countering unlawful and adversarial drone activity is a homeland defense imperative,” said Army Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, Joint Interagency Task Force 401 director. “There is no ‘silver bullet’ to address this challenge, and this pilot program integrates cutting-edge technology into the department’s broader counter-drone toolkit.”    

The announcement mentioned potential tools being tested, including laser and microwave systems. Operations are planned to begin in late 2026. 

Navy photo by Dan Linehan 

May 15, 2026
DOD/Pentagon | Drones | On Base

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