# DoD Plans Counter-Drone Laser Shoot Off

The Department of Defense (DoD) is organizing a Counter-small Uncrewed Aircraft System (C-sUAS) high-energy laser (HEL) shoot off event scheduled for December 2026. Managed by the Joint Interagency Task Force-401 (JIATF-401) and the Undersecretary of Defense for Research, this event aims to accelerate the deployment of directed energy solutions to counter small drone threats. This initiative represents a key opportunity for vendors specializing in directed energy and counter-drone technologies to demonstrate capabilities and engage with DoD stakeholders.

- **Why this matters:** The shoot off event signals DoD's commitment to advancing high-energy laser technologies for countering small unmanned aerial systems, highlighting a growing procurement focus on directed energy weapons.
- Vendors with expertise in laser and directed energy systems should prepare to participate or align their offerings to meet emerging DoD requirements.
- Procurement professionals should anticipate increased contracting activity and potential follow-on awards related to C-sUAS directed energy solutions following the December event.
- This event underscores the importance of interagency collaboration, with JIATF-401 and the Undersecretary of Defense for Research jointly managing the initiative, indicating coordinated acquisition efforts across defense research and operational commands.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** September 23, 2026

### Government Entities
- Department of Defense (DoD)
- Joint Interagency Task Force-401 (JIATF-401)
- Undersecretary of Defense for Research

### Sources
- [DoD Plans Counter-Drone Laser Shoot Off In December - Defense Daily](https://www.defensedaily.com/dod-plans-counter-drone-laser-shoot-off-in-december/unmanned-systems) - Defense Daily