Defense Industry

DroneShield and Smart Shooter Secured JIATF-401 Counter-Drone Contracts

DEFCROS News

30 Sep 2026 — 1 min read

Image: edrmagazine

On September 30, 2026, both DroneShield and Smart Shooter announced significant contract awards under the Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF-401) initiative, focusing on counter-drone technologies. These contracts reflect an ongoing emphasis on bolstering national defense capabilities against the rising threat posed by unmanned aerial systems.

DroneShield's Domestic Shield IDIQ Contract

DroneShield has been awarded a domestic shield indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract under the JIATF-401 program. This contract positions the company to deliver its advanced counter-drone technologies to U.S. domestic entities. The specific terms and total value of the contract have not been disclosed, but the award underscores the importance of addressing drone threats across various sectors.

Smart Shooter's SMASH Counter-Drone Systems Contract

Similarly, Smart Shooter announced it has secured a single-award IDIQ contract for its SMASH Counter-Drone Systems. While the precise ceiling amount of this contract is not detailed in the announcement, it demonstrates Smart Shooter's commitment to providing innovative fire control systems aimed at countering drone incursions.

DroneShield awarded IDIQ contract under JIATF-401 for counter-drone technology.
Smart Shooter secured single-award IDIQ contract for SMASH systems.
Both contracts announced on September 30, 2026.

This dual announcement signals a proactive approach to enhancing capabilities against drone threats, reflecting the growing recognition of unmanned systems' potential impact on security operations. As these contracts unfold, their implementation and effectiveness in domestic operations will be critical to monitor.

Sources: Edrmagazine, sUAS News, DefenseScoop, European Security & Defence, and Inside Unmanned Systems

Edited by Daniel Vazdar, Editor. How DEFCROS News reports, sources and corrects.

Former Ukraine Defense Minister Launches 'Army of Robots' Initiative

New Defense Company Aims to Revolutionize Warfare Mykhailo Fedorov, former Ukrainian defense minister, has recently unveiled a groundbreaking initiative called the 'Army of Robots.' This new defense company is focused on developing extensive networks of futuristic killer robots and advanced sensors aimed at transforming modern warfare. The announcement

NATO Develops Counter-Hybrid Playbook in Response to Russia's Gray-Zone Tactics

New Strategies to Combat Hybrid Threats In a significant move to address the evolving challenges posed by Russia's gray-zone warfare, NATO has mobilized a counter-hybrid playbook, spearheaded by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. This initiative aims to fortify Europe's collective response to tactics that

WaterISAC Addresses Cybersecurity Weaknesses in Water Sector After Summer Attacks

Emerging Threat Landscape for Water Sector Tom Dobbins, executive director of the Water Information Sharing Analysis Center (WaterISAC), highlighted the ongoing vulnerabilities within the water sector in a recent discussion with CyberScoop. The recent summer of cyberattacks has underscored significant weaknesses, particularly in operational technology (OT) and programmable logic controllers

Netherlands Expands CITADEL Air Defence; Belgium Orders NASAMS from KONGSBERG

Recent developments in European air defence capabilities signal a robust commitment to enhancing national security through strategic partnerships. Kongsberg Gruppen ASA (‘KONGSBERG’) has emerged as a key player in this domain, securing significant contracts with both the Netherlands and Belgium. Expansion of the CITADEL Programme The Netherlands has taken decisive

HS Produkt — Croatian small arms manufacturer. Expect the best. hs-produkt.hr