# The Pentagon Counter-Drone Mission Is Redefining Air Defense

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Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-defense-tech-podcast-with-fexingo-government-contracting-aerospace-and-military-tech-7871833/the-pentagon-counter-drone-mission-is-redefining-air-defense.md
Podcast: [The Defense Tech Podcast with Fexingo: Government Contracting, Aerospace, and Military Tech](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-defense-tech-podcast-with-fexingo-government-contracting-aerospace-and-military-tech-7871833)
Published: 2026-06-11T20:12:52+00:00
Episode link: https://audio.fexingo.com/business/the-defense-tech-podcast/episode-0045.mp3
Audio file: https://audio.fexingo.com/business/the-defense-tech-podcast/episode-0045.mp3
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Duration seconds: 631

## Resource

Episode 45 of The Defense Tech Podcast. Lucas and Luna examine how the Pentagon's counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) mission is reshaping air defense procurement and doctrine. With LMT up 4.7% in five days and GD rising 3.6%, defense primes are pivoting to layered drone-killing solutions. The hosts break down the new Joint C-UAS Office's 'four-tier' framework, why directed-energy weapons like the Navy's HELIOS are finally leaving the lab, and how the Army's $6 billion IFPC Inc 2 program is creating a market for interceptor missiles and electronic warfare. They also discuss the challenge of defeating cheap drones with expensive missiles, and why industry consolidation in this niche is accelerating. Tune in for a focused look at the billion-dollar race to protect troops and bases from the drone threat. #CounterDrone #C-UAS #AirDefense #Pentagon #DirectedEnergy #LaserWeapons #DroneThreat #JointC-UAS #IFPC #HELIOS #LockheedMartin #GeneralDynamics #LMT #GD #DefenseTech #Business #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

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