The U.S. Department of Defense’s Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF 401) has completed its inaugural acquisition under the Replicator 2 initiative, signifying a strategic advancement in the nation’s counter-unmanned aerial system (c-UAS) capabilities. This initiative, spearheaded by the Defense Innovation Unit, focuses on implementing innovative c-UAS solutions that aim to minimize collateral damage in diverse operational scenarios.
The contracts awarded by JIATF 401 include two sets of DroneHunter F700 interceptors, developed by Fortem Technologies, a company based in Utah. Anticipated for delivery by April, the F700 is a state-of-the-art, reusable, AI-enabled rotary-wing system designed to identify and neutralize hostile drones from a distance of up to 4 kilometers (2 miles). The system is equipped to deploy multiple nets to capture these drones safely.
Remarkably, the DroneHunter F700 can be launched in under three minutes, making it particularly suitable for deployment in densely populated or sensitive locations. It boasts a battery recharge time of about 75 minutes and can reach maximum speeds of 25 meters per second (56 miles per hour), enhancing its effectiveness in urgent situations.
JIATF 401, established in August 2025, serves as a pivotal Pentagon entity aimed at consolidating c-UAS capabilities across all U.S. military commands and installations. In addition to bolstering military operations, the task force is also dedicated to supporting critical infrastructure and collaborating with federal agencies and allied forces.
Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, director of JIATF 401, emphasized the task force’s commitment to rapid engagement and innovation. “We’re designed to move at the speed of relevance, cutting through red tape, consolidating resources, and engaging venture capitalists, tech startups, and nontraditional defense firms as critical partners,” he stated. This collaborative approach aims to transform JIATF 401 from a “community of interest to a community of action,” enhancing the effectiveness of homeland defense initiatives.
Ross highlighted that the sole measure of success for this initiative is the delivery of cutting-edge c-UAS capabilities to military personnel both domestically and internationally. “Replicator 2 is about leveraging innovation in the commercial sector and deploying it where it’s needed most,” he added, underscoring the initiative’s focus on integration and modernization in defense technologies.
