An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

184th Wing Point Defense Battle Lab tests autonomous drone swarms at Smoky Hill

Airmen assigned to the 184th Wing’s Point Defense Battle Lab test autonomous drone swarm capabilities during a live demonstration at Smoky Hill Air National Guard Range near Salina, Kansas, May 7, 2026. Working alongside the PDBL, industry partners demonstrated how they can successfully coordinate up to 1,000 Group 1 unmanned aerial systems (UAS) using a single ground control operator, further showcasing how rapid innovation can counter emerging airborne threats. The demonstration supports Air Combat Command's ongoing initiative to develop tactics and procedures for countering small UAS. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by 1st Lt. Samantha Root)

PHOTO BY: 1st Lt. Samantha Root
VIRIN: 260507-Z-UP708-1005.JPG
FULL SIZE: 0.35 MB
Additional Details

CAMERA

NIKON Z 7_2

LENS

NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8

APERTURE

28/10

SHUTTERSPEED

1/1600

ISO

64

IMAGE IS PUBLIC DOMAIN

Read More

This photograph is considered public domain and has been cleared for release. If you would like to republish please give the photographer appropriate credit. Further, any commercial or non-commercial use of this photograph or any other DoD image must be made in compliance with guidance found at https://www.dimoc.mil/resources/limitations, which pertains to intellectual property restrictions (e.g., copyright and trademark, including the use of official emblems, insignia, names and slogans), warnings regarding use of images of identifiable personnel, appearance of endorsement, and related matters.

Go to Gallery