# US military development of drone and counter-drone systems > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-military-development-of-drone-and-counter-drone-systems > Updated: 2026-10-13T02:19:01.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2. The United States military and government agencies are expanding their focus on unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology for both defense and tactical deception. In Arizona, the U.S. Army is testing the ‘Falcon Peaky’ plan to counter ‘narcodrones’—unmanned vehicles used by organized crime for smuggling. These tests involve artificial intelligence, interceptor drones, radar, and high-energy lasers, such as the Army Multipurpose High Energy Laser (AMP-HEL). Private defense firms are participating in trials to neutralize threats like kinetic interceptors and electromagnetic warfare systems. Simultaneously, through ‘Project Flytrap’ in Europe, the U.S. Army is exploring how uncrewed platforms can be used for battlefield deception. This evolution in drone usage, which now includes threats from transnational criminal organizations and terrorists alongside state actors, has prompted the Department of Homeland Security to establish a new Program Executive Office for Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems to oversee strategic investments. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-13: U.S. Army explores drone technology for battlefield deception and defense The U.S. Army is testing Project Flytrap in Europe to develop counter-drone capabilities and use uncrewed platforms for battlefield deception against evolving threats. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-army-explores-drone-technology-for-battlefield-deception-and-defense ### 2026-10-07: United States tests AI technology to counter narcodrones The U.S. Army is testing AI-driven anti-drone technologies in Arizona to combat the use of 'narcodrones' for smuggling and surveillance by organized crime groups. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/united-states-tests-ai-technology-to-counter-narcodrones --- Cite as: US military development of drone and counter-drone systems. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-military-development-of-drone-and-counter-drone-systems