An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | Nov. 20, 2024

Oklahoma Guard, Partners Brainstorm Drone Technologies

By Cpl. Danielle Rayon, Oklahoma National Guard

OKLAHOMA CITY – In a collaborative effort to bolster defense against aerial threats, Oklahoma National Guard leaders gathered with state, education and industry partners to discuss counter uncrewed aerial systems at the Tulsa Tech campus in Jenks Nov. 7.

The gathering brought together representatives from defense organizations, several regional universities, tribal leaders and technology firms specializing in drone technology to improve interoperability and standardization in the UAS and counter UAS domain.

“The organizations participating in the Launched Effects Alliance meetings are learning from each other in leaps and bounds,” said Col. Shane Riley, director of the Oklahoma National Guard’s launched effects program. “The Oklahoma National Guard is connected to the broader environment of innovation like never before. I think it is really a model for successful integration that gives Oklahoma dynamic opportunities.”

The meeting was part of an ongoing effort to bring together leaders in the diverse space of uncrewed aerial systems, resulting in a new group of experts dubbed the Launched Effects Alliance.

“This is really an unofficial agreement for a broad group of hyper-capable organizations to work together to solve big problems,” Riley said. “In these meetings, I’m surrounded by PhD industry leaders, state employees and defense activity decision makers that want to move fast and solve problems.”

Meetings like these are an integral part of the OKNG’s ongoing modernization effort to prepare its Soldiers and Airmen for the battlegrounds of the future.

“We are focusing on the fundamental skills that Soldiers, Airmen and leaders will need for the next fight,” Riley said. “Drones and robotic systems will have an immense impact on future warfare. Our young leaders must begin learning now to win in the future.”

 

 

Related Articles
A High Mobility Artillery Rocket System operated by members of the Oklahoma Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 158th Field Artillery Regiment fires a rocket during Exercise Keris Strike, on July 30, 2025.
Oklahoma National Guard Participates in Exercise Keris Strike
By Sgt. Haden Tolbert, | Aug. 6, 2025
LUMUT, Malaysia – Oklahoma National Guard members took part in a historic exercise when they showcased the precision firepower of the U.S. Army High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS, for the first time on Malaysian...

(left to right) Capt. George Bouziden and Capt. Derek Teague takes the Oath of Commissioned Officers during their direct commissioning ceremony at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Norman, Oklahoma, July 30, 2025. The two officers received their commission through a U.S. Army Talent Innovation Division program designed to identify and bring in highly skilled civilian information technology professionals to strengthen the Army’s cyber capabilities.
Cyber Officers Join Oklahoma Guard Through Direct Commissioning Program
By Anthony Jones, | Aug. 1, 2025
OKLAHOMA CITY - The Oklahoma National Guard welcomed two new officers into its ranks on Wednesday during a direct commissioning ceremony at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Norman, Oklahoma.Capt. Derek Teague and Capt...

Emergency management professionals and military members answer questions about natural disaster response during the 2025 Oklahoma National Guard Domestic Operations Symposium, in Norman, Oklahoma, April 15, 2025. The symposium brings city, county, state, federal and neighboring states together to build partnerships to face future natural and man-made disasters.
Oklahoma National Guard hosts second annual Domestic Operations Symposium
By Leanna Maschino, | April 21, 2025
NORMAN, Okla. – Emergency response agencies from across the state gathered last week for the Oklahoma National Guard’s second annual Domestic Operations Symposium.The symposium was held April 14-15 at the Armed Forces Reserve...