# JIATF 401 Tests Counter-Drone Systems at Yuma

Falcon Peak 26.2 at Yuma Proving Ground evaluated counter-drone technologies in desert conditions relevant to U.S. Central Command operations. The testing surfaced equipment durability and operator-use challenges from heat, dust, glare, and wind, and reinforced the value of layered defenses that combine active and passive sensing. No solicitation or contract award was announced, but the results point to potential future evaluation or transition needs for ruggedized systems, low-cost interceptors, and environmental testing capabilities.

- Contractors developing counter-UAS equipment can use the identified environmental stressors to assess whether their systems and operator interfaces are suited to austere, hot-weather deployments.
- The emphasis on layered sensing may inform capability demonstrations and future requirements; the signal does not identify a procurement vehicle, funding amount, or proposal deadline.
- Companies such as Allen Control Systems and Perseus are relevant technology developers, but participation in the exercise does not establish an award or selection. No immediate bid action is indicated.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Published:** October 08, 2026

### Government Entities
- Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF 401)
- U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM)
- Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)

### Vendors
- Allen Control Systems (Counter-UAS system developer)
- Perseus (Drone-interceptor developer)

### Key Quotes
> That has been kind of an eye opener.
> — Mike Wior, CEO, Allen Control Systems

### Sources
- [Lessons for CENTCOM from counter-drone experiments in the Arizona desert - Breaking Defense](https://breakingdefense.com/2026/10/lessons-for-centcom-from-counter-drone-experiments-in-the-arizona-desert) - Breaking Defense