Israeli Firm Smart Shooter, AeroVironment Awarded U.S. Counter-UAS Contract

The U.S. Joint Interagency Task Force 401 has awarded additional contracts under the Domestic Shield program to procure counter-unmanned aerial systems capabilities in support of U.S. Northern Command and U.S. Strategic Command.

The combined contract, valued at $6.1 million, includes the purchase of 210 Smash 2000LE systems from Israel-based Smart Shooter and one Titan Cerberus XL system from AeroVironment. The procurement is aimed at strengthening layered defenses to protect installations and critical defense infrastructure in the U.S. from emerging unmanned aerial system threats.

“We need a layered defense that includes distributed sensing, the ability to track in real time, and capabilities to engage with both non-kinetic and kinetic countermeasures,” said Army Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, director of the task force. “This purchase does not solve that problem, but it's a step in the right direction.”

Ross said the contracts were executed at a record pace as part of efforts to accelerate delivery timelines under operational requirements linked to Operation Epic Fury. He added that the timeline reflects coordination across requirements, contracting, and mission stakeholders to respond to operator needs.

In a related move, two radar systems have been assigned to support the National Capital Region in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security. The deployment is intended to enhance the region’s ability to detect and counter unmanned aerial system threats and improve protection of critical infrastructure.

The task force is also advancing integration of the Lattice system, a tactical user interface designed for command-and-control of counter-UAS operations. The system links sensors and effectors across installations and agencies to improve response times and coordination.