[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},"mediaId",6208722,"mediaKeyId","3740913-0b4a370e15c20ce4d5dff054f7649e67","parentId",3740913,"title","CENTCOM calls out counter‑UAS, directed energy and integrated air defense as top priorities","audioSeconds",1111,"startMs",1449000,"endMs",2560000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3740913-0b4a370e15c20ce4d5dff054f7649e67&start=1449&end=2560","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3740913-0b4a370e15c20ce4d5dff054f7649e67/thumbnail_1449000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6208722/CENTCOM-calls-out-counterUAS-directed-energy-and-integrated-air-defense-as-top-priorities","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6208722-6534b52d0e3ad3fc6075b8580e4e89c3/orig.mp4?Expires=1775513987&Signature=cgF4wmIR0hrcUeUL-jXCh4lSoXw6pXzVFmd3XpG9DJvML3qZ6hrDF92WtwxES~0Uoxm-nc6x8cTIx8DapQqFYaESe4AVLgaQ4gOAi7XZt2luGKitkt93mWKbkS4M-dGOUJImxo6Plgq-GUelJZm~0Epc1ZAtSNvGDGQf-J7EeQ~nhvY7fO5zD62sGbObkZump7GwKLzPN0DAOHYy~4ur8U2e1xgJ-bfl~aeFuiYnHcfkq9m34zLcFMBvH4fpxay7ss93oR-gV7rijyqfsdTNl-aBs7A5t5B0~IHv~G4Ull0gsG4luFYTFtNoOH~Y3I2Yqxm0RHE1TG2HPdhJKRNEEg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","U.S. House Armed Services Committee","date","2025-06-09T14:55:11Z","article","Gen. Eric Kurilla told the House Armed Services Committee that the character of warfare is changing with a drone revolution, and he urged Congress and the Defense Department to prioritize counter‑UAS and layered air and missile defense systems.

Kurilla said counter‑UAS is \"the number one thing\" currently needed to protect forces and partners. \"The number one challenge out there is detect. It's the ability to detect the counter UAS systems and to defeat the swarms,\" he said. He described rapid experimentation with laser-guided munitions and high‑powered microwave systems during maritime operations against Houthi UAVs, noting some successes.

Nut graf: Witnesses described a spectrum of detect, non-kinetic, kinetic and directed-energy options. They emphasized software, open architectures and systems integration so that air defenses and counter‑UAS tools can be managed from unified command-and-control systems.

Kurilla highlighted the operational utility of near-term technologies: he said \"about 40% of the drones shot down were shot down by something called Advanced Precision Weapon Kill System, a laser guided 2.75 inch rocket... That's a $25,000 munition going against a roughly $50,000–$100,000 drone.\" He recommended more work on directed energy and high‑powered microwave systems, stronger software integration across systems, and magazine depth for systems that can defeat swarms.

Ending: Commanders asked for rapid prototyping, testing in theater, and acquisition pathways that get effective counter‑UAS and integrated air-missile defense capabilities into the hands of warfighters more quickly.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Full Committee Hearing: “U.S. Military Posture and National Security Challenges AFRICOM + CENTCOM”","oneSentenceSummary","Gen. Eric Kurilla told the House committee that countering swarming unmanned aerial systems and integrating layered air defenses are top operational needs; he urged investments in detect-and-defeat capabilities, experimentation with directed energy and software integration.","taxTitle","Armed Services: House Committee, Standing Committees - House & Senate, Congressional Hearings Compilation, Legislative, Federal","taxId",1833,"location","","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6208729,"Commanders urge FMS reform, multiyear funding to stabilize defense industrial base",259,1274000,1533000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3740913-0b4a370e15c20ce4d5dff054f7649e67&start=1274&end=1533","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3740913-0b4a370e15c20ce4d5dff054f7649e67/thumbnail_1274000.jpg","/articles/6208729/Commanders-urge-FMS-reform-multiyear-funding-to-stabilize-defense-industrial-base","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6208729-734e5ee61efa1cd06dedc46264fe01e1/orig.mp4?Expires=1775513987&Signature=mJSk~7VOpBbRhCjbL0ga8Aywi35zy4viqCEOckiP1ITfLfeXBq4QPCzmDvueOa6K~5WB64hvpebLGK8IRt8nBqWD7~7F3brAuGQTE-FXImOppVP5dGH7gK0KIeTn3DsmvaxFGTlPvrEOxnGjkNLkTuSmx3-tEMeK2lDo3b~0wUMQCc59wnlBLlxp4TmtnX6cYOFHIVkWikLYRQqTlORY4eG7yh~jwWeXqFW8Q-8VVEyyK60JAX0tvlEVbYx-xinYXnV95T5egLRGSkW9Fce5MioYyWzM9mDPfi0dS7dEPFJH0gSESUwqyl3YR5P~~hNqWLJB-pQ9HaJkPXoz58b4JQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senior military leaders and committee members told the House Armed Services Committee that the Foreign Military Sales process and a fragile defense industrial base are slowing deliveries of critical systems to partners.

Gen. Eric Kurilla said the FMS and DCS processes are slow and that foreign partners frequently complain about timelines. \"If you had that blank sheet of paper and you were writing it out...sometimes we take months and up to a year when someone says, I'd like to sell you Patriots, and we go back and forth for a year. That should be days or weeks,\" Kurilla said.

Nut graf: Witnesses urged both process reform and greater industrial certainty. Kurilla recommended multi-year funding and production certainty so industry will invest in capital and production lines; he said Congress can help by authorizing multi-year appropriations and encouraging in-region production where appropriate.

Kurilla told the committee the department needs to fix internal DOD processes, improve State Department timelines and address industry investments: \"The biggest problem we have right now is with industry, that they are not putting the investments into capital into their production lines... Congress can help with multi year funding.\" He also supported examining non‑treaty controls that inhibit allied production in-place.

Ending: Committee members signaled bipartisan interest in acquisition reform; witnesses said changes would speed partner access to capabilities and sustain interoperability in the region.","CENTCOM and members of the House committee identified the Foreign Military Sales process and uneven industrial-base investment as obstacles to timely partner support, with commanders asking Congress for multi-year funding to enable production ramp-up.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6208733,"AFRICOM commander urges continued U.S. presence as China, Russia expand influence in Africa",898,1198000,2096000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3740913-0b4a370e15c20ce4d5dff054f7649e67&start=1198&end=2096","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3740913-0b4a370e15c20ce4d5dff054f7649e67/thumbnail_1198000.jpg","/articles/6208733/AFRICOM-commander-urges-continued-US-presence-as-China-Russia-expand-influence-in-Africa","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6208733-72829ece5097b54717c2b92999a8f8c5/orig.mp4?Expires=1775513987&Signature=VncVOeYYfS0AfRD1~U-3BG15BDZ9CsME2X8KkuV3l4aujpnDcro85hKm1aVFx4Q94WEE9Ug-nEQVh5wpNSCKPAu0YWvPcbNNwSPHGZr84I2mOtDziNU346jqMZWTnG3Wt7eCw~AfXSjxPwZYxkX2Eh6RO5vj~Cqwpzh8y6lA90akHGY1IcJzIVrJ5Ev7vsV9zZVEklWDj6XOdbb7k6J1Z0PHEfSAiDA5PXY3On6gR97Du1wT74W~JbP9ui4oX~ocB2KNRerXVh2zkwQrNnof2bSWCq-UzBK3ZRVyqVW63k5w2Of2NpJLr82T2oIVAHKuAaXpK5ExBr1NO404V5xPUg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Gen. Michael Langley, commander of United States Africa Command, told the House Armed Services Committee that Africa’s strategic importance continues to grow as China and Russia expand military and economic ties on the continent.

Langley said AFRICOM should remain a distinct combatant command. \"Africa is a nexus theater for the great power competition and then also, with a number of violent extremist organizations... It is a threat to our homeland, and it's a threat for our overall national security and protection on our national interests,\" he said. He added he \"will vigorously oppose any effort to consolidate AFRICOM and EUCOM.\"

Nut graf: Members examined China and Russia's expanding footprint in Africa, the importance of partner capacity-building, and how the U.S. should balance security cooperation, foreign assistance and diplomatic engagement to protect strategic interests such as access to critical minerals and ports.

Langley highlighted exercises and partnerships — including African Lion — and recent engagements with countries such as Morocco and Kenya as examples of enduring relationships and capacity building. He said AFRICOM's work ranges from training and exercises to intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and that stability requires matching resources to threats.

Members raised concerns about U.S. soft-power cuts and the strategic risk of ceding influence to China and Russia. Langley said many African partners want to shoulder more of the burden and praised Morocco as an example of successful partnership, but cautioned that capabilities vary across the continent and that the U.S. must be deliberate and resourced in its approach.

Ending: Langley urged continued U.S. engagement and investment, including exercises, security cooperation and targeted assistance, while rejecting consolidation of AFRICOM with EUCOM at this time.","Gen. Michael Langley told the House Armed Services Committee that Africa is a ‘‘nexus theater’’ for great-power competition and violent extremist organizations, and he warned against consolidating AFRICOM with EUCOM or moving its headquarters to Africa.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6208737,"Commanders tell House panel Iran’s nuclear program and proxy networks remain central regional threats",753,487000,1240000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3740913-0b4a370e15c20ce4d5dff054f7649e67&start=487&end=1240","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3740913-0b4a370e15c20ce4d5dff054f7649e67/thumbnail_487000.jpg","/articles/6208737/Commanders-tell-House-panel-Irans-nuclear-program-and-proxy-networks-remain-central-regional-threats","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6208737-d85a35f91dd27c9aa458fe13737bc51b/orig.mp4?Expires=1775513987&Signature=ExU0vLV~sxosQu9Ds752bOBt2w2vJ2E5Up0rstu8jRH4jp4LuPdZkL5UOrcY5nT59bimL34LH7Ya4zNVEHw3OvnNPuiMnrIt78RM-2W283HrX-o3jzlhmaEMk2-0ovohy2uodMqN-n08rksRG99HDUWzYdCKJLpn-QwdY7m0x6zuigT9YbypqoKLdmp1opToEu7NyZmgIwsmPPEG5orCyFo260zRU38Ce1FhFfego6UnwIP2JnWAkKkFf0gVe2Vyt07G0XR3cnNx1l9Xg4y6HEsjFOPwpayJ-oDCqgv37FZUEXTeyIXuY68NYve-m0dd5w7Iwg-aFMn6E8x2WXphXw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","U.S. Central Command and Pentagon officials told the House Armed Services Committee that Iran’s nuclear program and its support for proxy militias continue to shape instability across the Middle East and beyond.

Gen. Eric Kurilla said in his opening statement that Tehran had increased uranium enrichment and that a nuclear-armed Iran would “change the Middle East overnight and forever.” He told lawmakers he had provided the secretary of defense and the president a wide range of military options, and that the department stands ready to support a negotiated settlement that denies Iran a nuclear weapon.

Nut graf: Witnesses framed Iran as the primary malign actor in the region, citing both direct capabilities (long-range weapons and enriched uranium) and indirect capabilities through proxy networks that can destabilize neighbors and threaten U.S. forces and allies.

Kurilla described three pillars of Iranian power in the region: long-range weapons and anti-access/area-denial capabilities; proxy networks such as Hezbollah and militias in Iraq and elsewhere; and the logistics and financing that sustain those proxies. \"Iran is in a weaker strategic position now than at any point in the past 40 years,\" Kurilla said, while cautioning Tehran retains \"significant operational capability.\" He emphasized that Iran’s proxies remain active and that the United States must keep pressure on Tehran’s support for those groups.

Katherine Thompson reiterated the department’s priorities to deny Iran a nuclear weapon and to disrupt threats to the homeland. She told the committee that any diplomatic negotiations should focus on Iran’s support for proxies as a destabilizing factor.

Members asked whether Israel or other partners might act unilaterally and what implications that would have for force protection; Kurilla said such actions would increase risks to U.S. forces and that CENTCOM continually assesses posture and force protection requirements. He also described efforts to coordinate closely with regional partners and to sustain interoperability through defense sales and deployments.

Ending: Committee members signaled bipartisan concern about Iran’s trajectory and asked for classified briefings on options. Witnesses said they would support negotiated solutions that prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons while keeping military options on the table.","CENTCOM and Defense Department witnesses told the House Armed Services Committee that Iran’s expanding enrichment and support for proxy forces — including Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis — pose acute regional threats and that military options remain available to U.S. leadership.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6208742,"House Armed Services hearing: Pentagon says U.S. strikes curtailed attacks on ships but Red Sea commerce not yet restored",3053,0,3053000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3740913-0b4a370e15c20ce4d5dff054f7649e67&start=0&end=3053","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3740913-0b4a370e15c20ce4d5dff054f7649e67/thumbnail_0.jpg","/articles/6208742/House-Armed-Services-hearing-Pentagon-says-US-strikes-curtailed-attacks-on-ships-but-Red-Sea-commerce-not-yet-restored","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6208742-b3e0059ff335ee2a22cf2fe79685d456/orig.mp4?Expires=1775513987&Signature=n~4OijC96SWTpU~r28izEOfWwZ-4Qtdjd0PwlA~dlr9WgeEpCPmYNA3uBNPtYe9z0bwHzXPhfuxGQjBqJV~HXhJumsGI6ebFZvem12z5X7p7QoJQWUDVkSXtd6kFEG~B2iTHJV3vs~SFCmITADHsIjRILxunncFL89GDJHUBU2OFCDHJqFVVD36IWLU5LhkNlKOczelnI2r1MAEAQjNvMBNARd6~-phusNT1xKVl2TUyD2jl6VTE3O1w2NM1fFgMFhOi3fdQoELrnVye2gGy72qv1l3uYvwmZhdysX3NO2HF03mD~~bN4sMWoU8eFGKXgmXRFROhcCkoYFKpOvzKXw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","U.S. military leaders told the House Armed Services Committee that recent operations forced a halt to Houthi attacks on U.S. ships but warned commercial traffic through the Red Sea has not yet returned to normal.

Katherine Thompson, performing the duties of assistant secretary of defense for international affairs, said the Department of Defense maintains forces to \"restore freedom of navigation\" and described operations targeting Houthi forces in Yemen as part of that effort. \"President Trump has already demonstrated his unrelenting commitment to keep Americans safe by conducting operations targeting Houthi terrorists in Yemen that successfully restored freedom of navigation and American deterrence,\" Thompson said.

Nut graf: Committee members pressed commanders on whether operational gains translate to broader regional stability and to reopening the Suez-Red Sea route for commercial shipping. Witnesses said military success is necessary but not sufficient — commercial insurers and shippers are still weighing risks.

CENTCOM commander Gen. Eric Kurilla told the panel that U.S. operations had delivered a clear operational effect: \"For 51 days, we pounded the Houthis... In the last week, we've put 4 destroyers back through the Bab El Mandeb, and we were not shot at,\" he said. Kurilla added that Houthis continue to attack Israel and that U.S. forces continue to defend Israel with deployed systems, including a THAAD battery.

Committee members pressed for specifics on the broader shipping picture. Kurilla said reopening the route for regular commercial traffic is a lagging indicator dependent on insurance rates and commercial decisions: \"As long as the insurance rates stay high, they will choose to go a different route,\" he said. Thompson similarly said freedom of navigation operations had resumed but cautioned that ship operators decide transits based on insurance and perceived risk.

Members also questioned how Houthi capabilities are sustained. Kurilla said Iran supplies weapons and expertise, noting these are often moved by sea in containers and smaller craft; he said a significant portion — an estimated 80–85 percent, in his description — moves by maritime routes and that recent U.N. steps to inspect vessels more thoroughly are a positive development.

On rules and authorities, witnesses said U.S. forces retain authorities to board and, when a vessel is found carrying weapons for designated terrorist groups, detain crews and sink ships in appropriate circumstances. \"We can board it. We have the authority to board it. And if we find the munitions, we'll take the crew. We can end up sinking the ship,\" Kurilla said.

Ending: Witnesses and members agreed that military steps had reduced immediate threats to U.S. shipping but that restoring routine commercial transit depends on sustained deterrence, interruption of Iranian supply lines, regional burden sharing, and market signals such as insurance rates.","Pentagon witnesses told the House Armed Services Committee that U.S. maritime operations, including Operation Roughrider, reduced Houthi attacks on American shipping but insurance costs and attacks on Israel persist, delaying full resumption of commercial traffic through the Red Sea.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

CENTCOM calls out counter‑UAS, directed energy and integrated air defense as top priorities

Commanders urge FMS reform, multiyear funding to stabilize defense industrial base

AFRICOM commander urges continued U.S. presence as China, Russia expand influence in Africa

Commanders tell House panel Iran’s nuclear program and proxy networks remain central regional threats

House Armed Services hearing: Pentagon says U.S. strikes curtailed attacks on ships but Red Sea commerce not yet restored