# JIATF-401 Expands C-UAS Capabilities for USSOUTHCOM

The Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF-401), led by the U.S. Army, has awarded over **$25 million** in September 2026 to enhance counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) supporting U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM). These procurements focus on advanced interceptors, electronic warfare suites, and integrated technologies to improve detection, tracking, and neutralization of small unmanned aerial threats in complex operational environments around Miami, Florida. Additionally, significant multi-year IDIQ contracts valued at approximately **$500 million** each have been awarded to prime contractors Perennial Autonomy and CACI to support enterprise-wide C-UAS operations and deployment of SkyValor counter-drone technology, respectively.

- **Why this matters:** This substantial investment signals a strategic priority to rapidly field and expand C-UAS capabilities in the USSOUTHCOM area of responsibility, reflecting growing demand for advanced counter-drone solutions.
- Procurement professionals should note the emphasis on fast-tracking proven technologies and incorporating operational user feedback, indicating opportunities for agile contract vehicles and iterative capability upgrades.
- Industry stakeholders, especially prime contractors and technology providers specializing in electronic warfare and drone interception, can leverage these contracts as benchmarks for future C-UAS procurements.
- Organizations should evaluate their offerings against the operational needs of USSOUTHCOM and JIATF-401 to position for upcoming task orders under existing IDIQ contracts.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Cybersecurity
**Published:** September 17, 2026

### Government Entities
- Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF-401)
- U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM)
- Department of War
- U.S. Army

### Vendors
- Perennial Autonomy (prime contractor)
- CACI (prime contractor)
- AeroVironment (AV) (prime contractor)

### Key Quotes
> We are cutting through red tape, moving proven technologies from acquisition to operational capability faster, and incorporating user feedback to constantly enhance our protection.
> — Army Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, Director of JIATF-401

### Sources
- [JIATF-401 Expands C-UAS for USSOUTHCOM](https://www.executivegov.com/articles/jiatf-401-cuas-capabilities-ussouthcom) - ExecutiveGov