Gainey, who heads the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, outlined a future where identifying and disabling threats will require full AI automation. The goal is for systems to accurately discriminate friend from foe and autonomously choose the best response—be it a missile, non-kinetic jamming, or directed energy.

He acknowledged the ethical concerns surrounding autonomous weapons but noted that similar capabilities already exist. The Navy’s Phalanx system, for example, can engage threats without human input using radar and automated gunfire to protect ships from high-speed attacks.

This shift is being driven by recent battlefield experiences, including drone and missile attacks from Iran-aligned forces and Russia’s extensive use of loitering munitions in Ukraine. Current U.S. systems have managed these threats—but often at high cost, using expensive interceptors for relatively cheap drones.

MADIS And Autonomous Upgrades Underway

Greater autonomy is already being tested in systems like the Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS), which combines 360-degree radar, infrared sensors, and electronic warfare tools. Mounted on vehicles or ships, MADIS can jam or destroy incoming drones using a 30 mm cannon or Stinger missile.

Defense firm Anduril recently received a $200 million contract to enhance MADIS with higher autonomy and a mini-drone capable of intercepting airborne threats. These improvements are intended to allow real-time responses that outpace human reaction times.

Gainey emphasized that evolving threats—especially autonomous systems designed to bypass U.S. defenses—require a broader strategic response. In addition to AI algorithms, he said, effective drone defense will depend on integrating more sensors, personnel, and intelligence-sharing to support rapid threat discrimination and response.