ATP 3-01.81 — Counter-unmanned Aircraft System (c-uas) Operations
ATP 3-01.81 governs how the Army prevents threat UAS from impacting Army operations through C-UAS operations.
- Publication number: ATP 3-01.81
- Title: COUNTER-UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM (C-UAS) OPERATIONS
- Date: 05/23/2025
- Proponent: T2COM
- Status: ACTIVE
View ATP 3-01.81 on armypubs.army.mil
ATP 3-01.81 addresses the operational environment and threat, C-UAS planning, passive and active defense, air defense warnings and controls, sustainment training, and C-UAS equipment. It requires layered defense, coordinated actions across echelons, and capabilities to detect, identify, decide, and engage air threats when needed.
Topics covered
- Operational environment
- Threat UAS groups
- Layered defense
- Air defense warning conditions
- UAS reporting
- Air guard observation techniques
- C-UAS equipment
Questions and answers
What approval is required for a target defeat decision against a UAS?
All target defeat decisions must be given by an engagement authority and receive airspace deconfliction/clearance. (paragraph 4-47)
Can a commander lower an air defense warning level?
Any commander, after coordination and approval through air defense channels, may issue a higher level of warning for their command but may not lower the level. (paragraph 6-3)
What does the KuRFS radar provide for UAS defense?
The KuRFS radar provides target tracks for all categories of UAS and can discern air targets from ground targets. (paragraph 5-19)
How should an air guard use the vertical scan technique?
By using quick eye movements upward toward the sky, then downward to the horizon and continuing across the terrain, the air guard should scan using the same pattern to approximately 20 degrees below the horizon to compensate for all UAS. (paragraph 5-14)