Summary
Defense News reports on Gen. Gregory Guillot’s disclosure that a usnorthcom Flyaway Kit (FAK) detected and defeated a small UAS over a “strategic” U.S. installation in the opening hours of operation-epic-fury (Feb. 28, 2026). This article provides the most detailed public technical breakdown of the FAK: an 11-soldier team operating anduril-built sensors — Wisp (AI-infrared, 360-degree motion), Heimdal (thermal optics and radar trailer), and Pulsar (AI-enhanced electromagnetic warfare) — plus the Anvil self-guided drone interceptor. jiatf-401 confirmed awareness of the incident and stated it is working with NORTHCOM on C-sUAS capability disposition. Guillot stated the U.S. defeat rate for detected drones has risen to approximately one-in-four (~25%), up from near zero. Additional FAKs are expected by late Spring 2026. Companion piece to src-northcom-drone-incursion-2026-03 (DefenseScoop, same event, different reporter and outlet).
Key Claims
- A deployed FAK defeated sUAS over a “strategic” U.S. installation in the opening hours of Operation Epic Fury (Gen. Gregory Guillot, SASC testimony)
- The FAK is an anduril-produced system crewed by 11 soldiers; became operational as a rapid counter-drone response force in November 2025 (Defense News)
- FAK sensors include: Wisp (AI-infrared, 360-degree motion detection), Heimdal (mobile thermal optics/radar trailer), and Pulsar (AI-enhanced electromagnetic warfare platform) (Defense News)
- The Anvil self-guided interceptor physically rams target drones out of the sky (Defense News)
- U.S. defeat rate for detected drones is now ~25% — “about a quarter” — up significantly from prior years (Guillot)
- USNORTHCOM expects additional FAKs by late Spring 2026 (Guillot written testimony)
- jiatf-401 is aware of the incident and is working with NORTHCOM on C-UAS capability disposition (JIATF-401 spokesperson)
Notable Quotes
“In the early hours of Operation Epic Fury last month, a deployed [Fly-Away Kit] successfully detected and defeated sUAS operating over a strategic U.S. installation.” — Gen. Gregory Guillot
“Now about a quarter of the ones that we detect we’re able to defeat.” — Gen. Gregory Guillot
“We are aware of the action reported by U.S. Northern Command, and we continue to work closely with them on how best to array our c-UAS capability to defend the homeland.” — JIATF-401 spokesperson