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Pentagon approves CACI SkyValor autonomous counter-UAS system after Yuma border testing

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Summary

jiatf-401 validated the SkyValor counter-UAS system — built by CACI International — for use across the entire Joint Force following a two-day test at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona in mid-May 2026, conducted alongside Joint Task Force–Southern Border and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. SkyValor (formerly called Merlin) is an autonomous “detect and defeat” system capable of non-kinetic defeat at ranges exceeding 40 miles and net-capture from up to four miles, running on automated “sense and shoot” algorithms 24/7. NORTHCOM commander Gen. gregory-guillot separately flagged a persistent C-UAS gap — no portable system to protect soldiers actively patrolling the border — which SkyValor does not yet fill. The validation adds a new autonomous C-UAS layer to jiatf-401’s growing portfolio alongside perennial-autonomy, Bumblebee, and Anduril Lattice systems.

Key Claims

  • SkyValor was tested at MCAS Yuma over two days in mid-May 2026 and validated by JIATF-401 on June 7.
  • The system handles threats from small FPV drones up to the largest UAS group classifications.
  • Defeat mechanisms: RF jammers with automated “sense and shoot” algorithms (non-kinetic, 40+ mile range) and net-capture systems (~4-mile range).
  • SkyValor is fully autonomous, trailer-mounted, and operable “at various classification levels from any location.”
  • CACI confirmed SkyValor was previously called Merlin.
  • JIATF-401 has spent “at least hundreds of millions of dollars” on domestic counter-drone systems since inception.
  • Two prior 2026 Texas incidents involved DoD/FAA/CBP interagency miscoordination that temporarily shut down airspace; JIATF-401 is coordinating to prevent recurrence.
  • Gen. Guillot: no portable C-UAS exists to follow patrolling soldiers — SkyValor does not address this gap.

Notable Quotes

“SkyValor is now validated for use as one component of a layered C-UAS defense across the entire Joint Force to meet operational needs anywhere warfighters need to defend themselves from drones.” — Lt. Col. adam-scher, JIATF-401 spokesperson

“We have a lot of fixed and movable counter-UAS capabilities, but not really anything that would follow a patrolling soldier, and that’s a concern of mine.” — Gen. gregory-guillot, NORTHCOM/NORAD commander, SOF Week (May 2026)

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