WASHINGTON — Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced the creation of a new initiative to address the growing dangers posed by hostile drones, unveiling the Joint Interagency Task Force 401.

“Hostile drones are growing by the day. That’s why I’ve directed Secretary of the Army, Hon. Dan Driscoll, to establish the Joint Interagency Task Force 401 to secure our skies,” Hegseth said in a statement.

The task force will bring together top talent across federal agencies, pooling expertise in defense, intelligence, and technology to counter the rapidly evolving threat. Officials noted that drones have increasingly been used in conflict zones and by non-state actors, raising concerns about national security, critical infrastructure, and public safety.

By uniting resources and strategy under one command, the Pentagon aims to strengthen detection systems, enhance counter-drone technology, and develop coordinated response protocols.

Hegseth emphasized that the initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to staying ahead of emerging threats while safeguarding U.S. interests both at home and abroad.