Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Strategy

The exponential growth of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) creates new risks for the Department of Defense (DoD). Technology trends are dramatically transforming legitimate applications of sUAS while simultaneously making them increasingly capable weapons in the hands of state actors, non-state actors, and criminals. Small UAS may also pose hazards to DoD operations in the air, land, and maritime domains when controlled by negligent or reckless operators. The Department must protect and defend personnel, facilities, and assets in an environment where increasing numbers of sUAS will share the skies with DoD aircraft, operate in the airspace over DoD installations, and be employed by our Nation’s adversaries.

In response to this challenge, the Department initially emphasized the deployment and employment of government and commercially-built material to address the immediate risks posed by sUAS; however, it resulted in many non-integrated, redundant solutions. To address these challenges, the DoD requires a Department-wide holistic strategy for countering sUAS hazards and threats.

Through the implementation of this strategy, the Department will successfully address the challenges posed by both hazard and threat sUAS operating within the U.S. homeland, in host nations, and in contingency locations. Commanders in each of these varied operating environments will have the solutions they need to protect DoD personnel, facilities, assets, and missions from both current and future sUAS threats.