Grand Forks Base Conducted Counter-Drone Tests
The Point Defense Battle Lab has advanced tactics to defend against small drones at the Grand Forks Air Force Base.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Military
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Grand Forks Air Force Base has conducted more than a dozen counter-UAS exercises since January to sharpen defenses against small drones. The base has utilized its Point Defense Battle Lab to develop new tactics in collaboration with national guard partners.
Why it matters
This mission focuses on ensuring the Air Force maintains essential air superiority against the rising threat of small unmanned aircraft. The facility serves as a testing ground for developing procedures to protect installations from aerial intrusion.
The 319th Reconnaissance Wing oversees testing involving scanning and surveillance from the surface up to 300 feet. The base has completed over 12 counter-drone exercises to date without the use of restricted airspace.
The players
319th Reconnaissance Wing
This wing operates out of Grand Forks Air Force Base and is responsible for leading the counter-UAS testing initiatives.
184th Wing
This Kansas National Guard unit collaborates with the base to develop tactical drone defense procedures.
Joint Interagency Task Force 401
This task force works alongside the Air Force to integrate various agency resources in counter-drone efforts.
Kenneth Wilsbach
As a high-ranking military official, he addressed the importance of these technological defense advancements at a recent symposium.
Alfred Rosales
The Colonel serves as a key military spokesperson who provided recent project updates during the UAS Summit.
The details
Operating from a permanent facility opened in April, the Point Defense Battle Lab collaborates with the 184th Wing and Joint Interagency Task Force 401. Exercises span complex scenarios including drone surveillance and concealment challenges to refine military response procedures.
Timeline
October 2025: The Point Defense Battle Lab mission was formally announced.
January 2026: The base began its series of counter-UAS exercises.
April 2026: A permanent facility for the lab opened at the base.
September 2026: General Kenneth Wilsbach spoke about defense efforts at a symposium.
October 13, 2026: Col. Alfred Rosales discussed the program at the UAS Summit.
Political Context
The Point Defense Battle Lab represents a growing military focus on countering small, commercially available drone technology. Critics often express concerns regarding the integration of such intensive military testing protocols within civilian-adjacent airspaces.
The base currently operates its surveillance testing without implementing restricted airspace over the city. Residents may see increased activity or notice official efforts to integrate these new defense policies into the local community framework.
The takeaway
The development of these tactical defenses reflects the military's rapid adaptation to changing aerial threats in the drone era. Establishing these procedures locally helps the Air Force refine its broader security standards before wider deployment.
Further reading
For more information on regional defense efforts, visit Military.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Grand Forks Herald.
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