The US Air Force conducted a week-long live-fire exercise that trained troops on a multi-layered approach to drone defense.
During the “Final Denial” demonstration event, troops trained with AI to detect and track a wide range of simulated targets while also using it to filter false threats from real targets.
They employed the same tools to enhance real-time data sharing among base operations center personnel and other dispersed field units.
With help from the service’s industry partners, soldiers also practiced defending against electronic warfare attacks and fast-moving drones moving in realistic flight patterns.
The training event culminated in a live-fire drill with shotguns that reportedly acted as a last line of defense against a wave of drone targets.
“It’s inspiring to see a unit at this level proactively tackling a problem-set that is top of mind for leaders across the Air Force and the Department of War,” said Col. Clayton Schuety, 1st Special Operations Wing (SOW) Deputy Commander.
“The blend of entrepreneurial foresight, AI surveillance, and human-directed targeting will no doubt create positive impacts for the warfighter. We look forward to seeing how this effort continues to mature and receiving the lessons learned which will benefit Air Commandos and the larger force.”
Training American Troops
Final Denial involved soldiers in the 31st Air Task Force (ATF) unit, which is composed of over 2,500 airmen across more than 60 air force specialty codes.
The ATF partnered with leaders from the Air Force Special Operations Command and the 1st SOW, bringing together drone warfare and precision munition experts to train American warfighters.
“Through a crawl, walk, run approach, Airmen gained practical knowledge of a full spectrum of layered counter-sUAS capabilities,” a Force Protection Superintendent of the 31st ATF said.
“The ATF is posturing to provide tiered defense through detection, electronic warfare defeat, and physical interception of hostile drones.”
