World Cup Archives

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman John Ives, 90th Ground Combat Training Squadron defender, pilots a drone during an X4 and SMASH 2000L Systems Firing Qualification at Camp Guernsey Joint Training Center’s North Training Area, Wyoming, May 15, 2026. The drone carried balloon targets to help operators practice acquiring, tracking and engaging simulated aerial threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Michael A. Richmond)

One year in, America’s counter-drone task force still has ‘a ton of work to do’

JIATF-401 leaders met to discuss inroads made and what’s next as pressure mounts to mitigate domestic UAS threats.

5 days ago By Brandi Vincent Lindsey Wilkinson

Team members from the U.S. Coast Guard, NOAA, and Water Mapping experts get underway for advanced drone training with the USCG Cutter Blackfin, off the Santa Barbara coast, July 25, 2023. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Richard B. Uranga).

Coast Guard adopts ‘whole new mission’ for drone defense at high-security events

“Most of the interest is domestic," an official said. "It is the World Cup sites, it is domestically-hosted events that are nationally significant security events.”

Apr 21, 2026 By Drew F. Lawrence