# DoD Accelerates Counter-Drone Approvals

On September 28, 2026, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth directed the Department of Defense to speed counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) approvals by addressing spectrum, safety-review, and authority-to-operate bottlenecks. The directive expands Joint Interagency Task Force 401’s coordination role in safety and legal reviews, provides for escalation of unacted-on requests after 30 days, and limits repeat safety reviews when systems and use cases have not changed. The signals identify no solicitation, contract award, funding amount, or procurement deadline.

- Contractors offering C-UAS systems should be prepared to present test and validation results, documented risk evidence, and spectrum-management capabilities to support approval reviews.
- The streamlined process may increase the value of systems with relevant prior assessments that can be reused when the system and use case remain unchanged.
- Companies providing supporting training, policies, or spectrum-management services can assess how their offerings align with the expanded JIATF-401 coordination role and the Defense Innovation Unit’s Project Spectrum Strike selections.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance, Digital Infrastructure
**Published:** October 02, 2026

### Government Entities
- Department of Defense (DoD)
- Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF-401)
- Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)

### Vendors
- AeroVironment ()

### Key Quotes
> The Department will take down barriers so our warfighters can take down drones.
> — Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Defense

### Sources
- [Hegseth Moves To Speed C-UAS Use In The Homeland, Expands JIATF’s Roles - Defense Daily](https://www.defensedaily.com/hegseth-moves-to-speed-c-uas-use-in-the-homeland-expands-jiatfs-roles/unmanned-systems) - defensedaily.com
- [Hegseth issues new directive to hasten U.S. military’s counter-drone pursuits | DefenseScoop](https://defensescoop.com/2026/10/02/hegseth-issues-new-directive-to-hasten-counter-drone-pursuits) - DefenseScoop
- [U.S. Department of War orders faster counter-drone approvals, with 30-day escalation rule and limits on repeat safety reviews - Defence Industry Europe](https://defence-industry.eu/u-s-department-of-war-orders-faster-counter-drone-approvals-with-30-day-escalation-rule-and-limits-on-repeat-safety-reviews) - Defence Industry Europe