Project Falcon Strike

The Air Command and Staff College, in partnership with the Air University Innovation Accelerator (AUiX), will host a two-day event exploring the rapidly evolving world of small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) and counter-UAS (cUAS) operations. With drones now central to modern conflict and innovation on both sides of the battlespace, The event brings together ACSC students and faculty, industry leaders, Air University and academic partners to examine the technology, tactics, and policies shaping the future fight.

Over the course of two days, participants will engage in a mix of focused lectures and hands-on sessions. Morning lectures will feature expert speakers addressing key themes: sUAS industry trends, military and commercial applications, regulatory and ethical considerations, adversary employment, and operational integration. Participants will analyze current sUAS employment concepts and operations to develop strategies that enhance joint lethality, strengthen interoperability, and counter adversary use.

Afternoons will move from theory to practice on the flight line. Attendees will interact directly with both RED and BLUE systems through static “petting zoo” displays, guided handling sessions, and live-fly demonstrations. Industry and academic partners will showcase cutting-edge platforms and autonomy tools, providing an unparalleled opportunity to assess capability trade-offs, explore counter-UAS solutions, and imagine new operational concepts.

By combining operational insights, technological demonstrations, and strategic discussion, this event aims to advance ACSC’s mission of preparing leaders for the challenges of 21st-century warfare. As conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and beyond illustrate, the sUAS revolution is here—ACSC and AUiX are ensuring tomorrow’s commanders are ready to meet it.