C-UAS/SUAS(1): The Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System & Drone Warfare SMARTbook is new for 2026. At 320-pgs, chapters and topics include the strategic environment (DoD C-UAS, operational environment, multidomain operations, force structure transformation initiative); the unmanned aircraft system (UAS) threat (China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Hybrid, Homeland); air & missile defense (SHORAD/HIMAD); planning & preparing (roles, AMD, asset protection); layered defense (passive and active defense measures); engagement operations & techniques (ADA & non-dedicated assets, AD warnings & controls); integrating sUAS into operations; and equipment (ADA/C-UAS systems and capabilities).
Download a free PDF sample and learn more at: https://www.thelightningpress.com/smartbooks/c-uas-suas1-counter-unmanned-aircraft-system-drone-warfare-smartbook/
Planning & Conducting C-UAS/sUAS Operations
Across the globe—from Ukraine to the U.S. homeland—unmanned systems are transforming warfare by reshaping tactics, compressing innovation cycles, and challenging operational principles. Their affordability and accessibility have democratized precision strike.
Since 2022, small tactical unmanned aircraft system (UAS) and first-person-view (FPV) drones have revolutionized warfare. Unmanned aircraft systems have been fielded in every military service, ranging from handheld micro-UAS to medium-sized tactical systems to full-grown remotely piloted aircraft (RPA). Globally, nations such as China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran have accelerated drone innovation, producing systems rivaling Western models and reshaping the modern battlefield.
Air defense artillery assets provide the backbone of layered counter-UAS (C-UAS) defense, integrating sensors, weapons, and command systems to detect, track, and defeat UAS. Effective C-UAS operations blend Soldier actions, survivability, and systems from handheld EW to advanced defeat technologies. Continuous protection planning aligns capabilities to defend critical areas and maintain mission effectiveness.
Layered, defense-in-depth structures combine passive and active measures to overlap defenses and eliminate gaps. Active defenses deny enemy initiative, while passive measures reduce vulnerability through coordination of sensors, weapons, and systems. Layered defenses increase in density as UAS threats approach protected areas, requiring coordination and co-location of sensors, weapons, and systems to close dead spaces.
Ground and aerial sensors provide airspace surveillance and early warning, feeding vertically and horizontally integrated kill chains. Engagement authorities select the “best shooter” to achieve keep-out ranges and altitudes, coordinating AMD C2 to defeat threats while minimizing fratricide. ADA defends ballistic and cruise missiles, hypersonics, manned aircraft and UAS. Non-ADA units and maneuver forces must supplement defenses with organic weapons and C-sUAS; engagements, lethal or non-lethal, use the best system per ROE, enabled by detection.
With the U.S. Army buying one million new drones of all types over the next two to three years, sUAS are now employed by maneuver units in large numbers in a wide range of roles, fundamentally altering the conduct of military ground operations. sUAS missions include reconnaissance (SRR, MRR, LRR) with varying altitudes, ranges, and deconfliction needs, and attack/strike (launched effects) including loitering munitions and one-way attacks.
This article is an extract from "C-UAS/SUAS(1): The Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System & Drone Warfare SMARTbook (Planning & Conducting C-UAS/sUAS Operations)" by The Lightning Press. Download a free PDF sample and learn more at: C-UAS/SUAS(1): The Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System & Drone Warfare SMARTbook (Planning & Conducting C-UAS/sUAS Operations).
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