U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) has successfully completed the first field certification of its Counter-small Unmanned Aerial System (C-sUAS) fly-away kit, developed by Anduril Industries. The evaluation, conducted between October 21–27 at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, marks a major step in strengthening homeland defense against rapidly evolving drone threats targeting U.S. military installations.
Next-Generation Counter-Drone Shield for U.S. Bases
During the week-long mission, an 11-person joint operations team engaged over 100 drone targets under realistic conditions, validating the system’s detection, tracking, and engagement capabilities. The C-sUAS kit combines radar, electro-optical sensors, autonomous interceptors, and electronic warfare tools into a mobile, easily deployable package designed to protect bases from hostile drones.
According to the U.S. Department of War, the Minot exercise served both as an operational trial and an official certification event for the system. Despite harsh weather, the team demonstrated rapid deployment, live engagements, and full redeployment, completing the system’s operational cycle under field conditions.
Advanced Components and AI Integration
The fly-away kit features a layered defense network that integrates several core technologies:
- Heimdal Mobile Sensor Trailer: Provides 360-degree radar coverage, thermal optics, and automatic target tracking.
- Anvil Interceptor Drone: An autonomous kinetic system that intercepts and neutralizes hostile UAVs mid-flight.
- Pulsar Electronic Warfare Effector: Detects and disrupts enemy drone communications and GPS links.
- Wisp AI Infrared Sensor: Offers continuous, full-motion 360° surveillance for enhanced identification.
All systems are linked via Anduril’s Lattice Command-and-Control Software, which fuses sensor data and allows operators to choose between non-kinetic (electronic) or kinetic (physical) engagement options.
Coordination and Legal Framework
The mission included interagency cooperation with the Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under U.S. Code Title 10, Section 130i, which regulates counter-UAS operations over U.S. military sites. USNORTHCOM helped update Minot AFB’s base defense plan, integrating the new kit into future protection frameworks.
Command Reactions and Doctrinal Shift
Chief Warrant Officer Joey Frey, C-sUAS Program Manager, praised the rapid certification:
“This team far exceeded expectations. Their ability to adapt and apply air defense tactics in such a short time was exceptional.”
Maj. Austin Fairbairn, who led ground operations, emphasized joint learning:
“We built a high-functioning, cross-service team ready for real-world drone engagements.”
This certification represents a doctrinal turning point for homeland defense — merging AI-driven automation, autonomous interceptors, and electronic warfare into a flexible, mobile framework capable of protecting critical infrastructure from both state and non-state drone incursions.
