Photo By 1st Lt. Glorie Ward | March Air Reserve Base is strengthening its installation defense with next-generation...... read more read more
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MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, Calif. — Today's threats don't always arrive through the front gate. Sometimes they come from above.
As unmanned aircraft systems become more common, they present new security challenges for military installations. To stay ahead of evolving threats, March Air Reserve Base continues to modernize its counter-small unmanned aircraft systems (C-sUAS) capabilities, protecting aircraft, personnel and the installation's mission.
The Air Force Reserve Command has invested in next-generation C-sUAS technology at March ARB, making it one of only three Air Force Reserve installations selected to receive these advanced capabilities. The investment includes the Rapidly Deployable Small-Unmanned Air Defense System (RD-SUADS) and future Fixed Site Small-Unmanned Air Defense System (FS-SUADS), providing Security Forces with enhanced detection, tracking and response capabilities against unauthorized drones.
March ARB first fielded the Ninja counter-drone system in 2021, providing a passive capability to detect commercial drones by monitoring radio frequencies. In April 2026, the installation expanded those capabilities with the deployment of RD-SUADS, an active radar-based system that provides enhanced airspace monitoring and greater situational awareness.
"Drones have changed modern warfare much like tanks and machine guns transformed the battlefield during World War I," said Master Sgt. Daniel Adams, 452nd Security Forces Squadron Physical Security Program Manager. "These new counter-drone systems give us the capability to better protect the installation, our Airmen and our mission from those evolving threats."
The new systems also integrate directly into the Base Defense Operations Center, giving Security Forces a real-time common operating picture and improving response times during security incidents. "I'm proud to help bring these new capabilities to Security Forces," Master Sgt. Adams said. "It's a major technology upgrade giving our defenders better tools.”
As the technology evolves, so does the mission. Security Forces continues to train alongside industry partners and work with agencies including the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Aviation Administration to strengthen the installation's response to unauthorized drone activity.
"As the mission continues to grow, we're working closely with our federal partners to strengthen our response to unauthorized drone activity," Tech. Sgt. Kurtis Anderson, 452nd Security Forces Squadron Electronic Security Systems Specialist said. "We're also working with the FAA to develop a program that would support enforcement actions, including issuing citations to individuals who violate restricted airspace.” Through advanced technology, continued training and strong partnerships, March Air Reserve Base is strengthening its ability to defend Airmen, aircraft and critical infrastructure against emerging aerial threats.
| Date Taken: | 07.31.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 09.01.2026 09:53 |
| Story ID: | 571580 |
| Location: | CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 81 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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