Countering the Drone Threat: 621st CRW Supports Innovation in sUAS Defense

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Tristan McIntire
  • 621st Contingency Response Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  

In today's rapidly evolving battlefield, small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS), commonly known as drones, have become a pervasive threat to U.S. forces. These threats can compromise force protection, endanger lives, and hinder mission success in agile combat employment (ACE) scenarios, for Contingency Response Airmen tasked with rapidly opening airbases and supporting air mobility missions worldwide.  

Fortunately, the U.S. Air Force is not standing still. The 621st Contingency Response Wing (CRW) is pioneering innovative solutions to counter these emerging dangers.

Airman directs group

SSgt Brandon Redden, 820th Base Defense Group small Unmanned Aerial System (sUAS) program manager demonstrates to Airmen from the 621st Contingency Response Wing how to operate a sUAS for military missions, August 13, 2025 at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey. The 621 CRW specializes in aerial port-opening in austere and contested environments, making the unit an important emerging warfighter user of sUASs as the DoD seeks to develop and institutionalize these systems. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Tristan McIntire)

Through collaborations with AFWERX engineers from the Air Force Research Laboratory and industry partners, the 621st CRW is developing and testing small-scale counter-UAS systems tailored for Contingency Response Elements (CREs) and Contingency Response Teams (CRTs). These efforts ensure that Airmen are equipped to detect, track, identify, and defeat drone threats effectively. 

One key initiative involves hands-on training with custom-built sUAS platforms. Security Forces Airmen from the 621st CRW have worked alongside AFWERX engineers to assemble and maintain "red team" drones, such as a cost-effective system, which emulates adversary tactics seen in recent conflicts. Priced at one-eightieth the cost of similar off-the-shelf models, the system allows Airmen to simulate overhead threats during exercises, refining tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) for passive defenses like hardening, dispersal, and camouflaging, as well as kinetic and non-kinetic countermeasures.  

"The proliferation of sUAS has forced us to adapt the way we defend the base," said Capt. Patrick Morin-Plante, 621st Contingency Response Squadron Defense Force Commander. "Having organic red sUAS allows us to enhance our measures and gain the tactical advantage over adversaries.” 

Using commercial and homemade drones to mimic real-world threats, the team tests systems that provide full-spectrum capabilities—from radar and radio frequency detection to jamming, spoofing, and kinetic intercepts. These man-portable solutions are designed for quick deployment in diverse settings, ensuring CR Airmen can maintain air superiority even with limited resources.  

Master Sgt. Christopher Nicolay, superintendent of Wing Innovation for the 621st CRW, emphasized the value, "We can add features that enhance our training for this evolving threat, pushing our Airmen to the edge of their capabilities safely and effectively.” 

Airman flies drone

SSgt Brandon Redden, 820th Base Defense Group small Unmanned Aerial System (sUAS) program manager demonstrates to Airmen from the 621st Contingency Response Wing how to operate a sUAS for military missions, August 13, 2025 at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey. The 621 CRW specializes in aerial port-opening in austere and contested environments, making the unit an important emerging warfighter user of sUASs as the DoD seeks to develop and institutionalize these systems. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Tristan McIntire)

By incorporating lessons from global conflicts and partnering with industry, the 621st CRW accelerates change, modernizes force structures, and prepares for swarm or single-drone attacks.  

Recent solicitations for counter-UAS equipment further demonstrate the wing's commitment to realistic training, with all operations conducted in coordination with the FAA, air traffic controllers, and airfield management to ensure safety. 

These developments offer strong reassurance for CR Airmen: our forces are proactively addressing the sUAS challenge through innovation, rigorous testing, and collaboration. MSgt. Vang noted, "Our Airmen need reliable tools that are quick to set up and effective, ultimately saving lives and securing airbases."  

Allocating resources to initiatives like these will enhance current readiness and safeguard future operations in contested environments.