USNORTHCOM Archives

An Anvil drone interceptor launches from its platform in response to a drone threat during an exercise at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Oct. 24, 2025. The Anvil is an autonomous drone that, when prompted by an operated, can detect, track and classify a threat, and, if required, mitigate the threat with a non-kinetic, low-collateral defeat option. The fly-away kit, shown here, includes the Anvil launch box, mobile sentry trailer; two Wisp wide-area infrared systems; two Pulsar electromagnetic warfare systems; and command-and-control software called Lattice. (Department of Defense photo by John Ingle)

U.S. military reveals more details about drone incursions at strategic base

A U.S. Northern Command counter-UAS system recently engaged its jamming protocol against multiple drone incursions, a spokesperson said.

2 days ago By Brandi Vincent

A B-52 Stratofortress from the 5th Bomb Wing taxis at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Oct. 26. 2025. The U.S. Northern Command Counter-small Unmanned Aerial System fly-away kit, seen in the foreground, and operators were rapidly deployed to the North Dakota base as part of an exercise to demonstrate the command’s ability to quickly support installation commander experiencing a drone incursion. (Department of Defense photo by John Ingle)

U.S. Northern Command says it thwarted a drone threat over a ‘strategic’ installation hours into the Iran war

Flyaway kits are emerging as a viable rapid-response option to defend domestic military installations against contemporary drone incursions.

Mar 19, 2026 By Brandi Vincent

A Crew Chief assigned to the 163d Attack Wing, March Air Reserve Base marshals MQ-9 Reaper on the Strategic Expeditionary Landing Field on Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, CA July 21, 2022. The 163d accelerated change by pioneering the first ever refueling of the MQ-9 Reaper using a Forward Area refueling Point provided by the VMM - 764’s V-22 Osprey. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph Pagan) — A Crew Chief assigned to the 163d Attack Wing, March Air Reserve Base marshals MQ-9 Reaper on the Strategic Expeditionary Landing Field on Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, CA July 21, 2022. The 163d accelerated change by pioneering the first ever refueling of the MQ-9 Reaper using a Forward Area refueling Point provided by the VMM – 764’s V-22 Osprey. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph Pagan)

DOD eyes tactical drones to accompany troops Trump is surging to the border

The acting defense chief unveiled the Pentagon’s immediate plans for the expedited implementation of the president's executive orders.

Jan 23, 2025 By Brandi Vincent

Photo of the North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command Headquarters building on Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. (DoD illustration by Lewis Carlyle)

DOD poised to respond if unidentified drones over New Jersey ‘escalate to threaten’ military assets

Multiple Pentagon and military components are actively monitoring the situation.

Dec 12, 2024 By Brandi Vincent

U.S. Northern Command Commander U.S. Air Force Gen. Glen D. VanHerck speaks during a press briefing about the completed global information dominance experiment (GIDE) 3, at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., July 28, 2021. (DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Brittany A. Chase)

NORAD’s VanHerck wants better data sharing, sensor architectures for homeland defense

Homeland defense will look “vastly different” in the future, according to the commander of U.S. Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command.

Jun 23, 2023 By Mikayla Easley

Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Aaron Romo, assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit ONE, launches a MK18 MOD 1 unmanned underwater vehicle from a rigid-hull inflatable boat on July 10, in support of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Logan C. Kellums)

Navy beginning underwater drone operations to help recover debris from downed Chinese balloon

The Navy will use UUVs to help the Defense Department recover debris from China’s suspected surveillance balloon that was shot down off the coast of South Carolina.

Feb 6, 2023 By Jon Harper