U.S. Central Command Deploys EAGLS Counter-Drone System
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U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has deployed the Extended Air Defense GN/GPS Anti-jamming Laboratory System (EAGLS) to the Middle East, following successful testing during the Sky Shield exercise in kuwait.The system is designed to counter unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones.
EAGLS System Capabilities
The EAGLS system is a counter-drone technology that disrupts the guidance and navigation systems of drones.It specifically targets GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) and GPS signals, effectively jamming the drone’s ability to follow pre-programmed flight paths or receive remote control signals. Sky Shield, the exercise in which EAGLS was tested, focused on integrated air defense capabilities.
Sky Shield Exercise and Deployment Context
The Sky Shield exercise, conducted in Kuwait, involved multiple nations and aimed to enhance air defense interoperability. CENTCOM’s official website confirms the operational deployment of EAGLS following the exercise’s completion. The deployment addresses the increasing threat posed by drones in the region, which have been used for reconnaissance, attacks, and other malicious activities. The exercise involved over 100 airmen from the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing and Kuwait Air Force.
several entities are involved in the deployment and operation of EAGLS. U.S. Central Command oversees military operations in the Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia. The U.S. Air Force provides the technical expertise and personnel for operating the system.Kuwait, as the host nation for Sky Shield, plays a crucial role in regional security cooperation. The increasing use of drones by non-state actors and state-sponsored groups necessitates robust counter-drone capabilities to protect critical infrastructure and personnel. As of January 19, 2026, there have been no reported incidents involving EAGLS in operational use, according to the Department of Defense.
Counter-Drone Technology Landscape
EAGLS represents one approach to countering the drone threat. Other technologies include directed energy weapons, kinetic interceptors, and electronic warfare systems.The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) published a report in November 2023 detailing the costs and capabilities of various counter-drone technologies. The CBO report estimates that the market for counter-drone systems will exceed $2.5 billion annually by 2028. The deployment of EAGLS is part of a broader U.S. strategy to enhance its counter-drone capabilities globally.
