Task Force 99, based at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar and led by Col. Jeffrey Digsby, is at the forefront of unmanned technology development, leveraging AI and 3D printing to enhance air domain awareness and reconnaissance while fostering global partnerships.
The U.S. Air Force’s Task Force 99, based at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, is exploring innovative unmanned technologies, including AI-designed, 3D-printed drones. Commanded by Col. Jeffrey Digsby, this experimental unit aims to establish a stateside component to enhance global partnerships.
Founded in October 2022, Task Force 99 has deployed its drones in Middle East operations and is testing rapid manufacturing methods using artificial intelligence. Recently, they experimented with AI software that significantly shortens the design and build time for small UAS from weeks and months to hours and days. This software, developed in collaboration with Blue Horizons and Titan Dynamics, uses specific requirements to produce custom drones via 3D printing.
Task Force 99 acknowledges it has around 100 unmanned systems, enabled by its new 3D-printing platform. Col. Digsby highlighted that ongoing validations and assessments are being conducted in a CENTCOM operational environment. The Pentagon’s Replicator initiative could further support Task Force 99 by supplying uncrewed aircraft to test new concepts in real-world conditions.
The unit’s primary objectives include enhancing air domain awareness, reconnaissance, and testing innovative ISR technologies. Recent geopolitical tensions, including the Israel-Hamas war, have likely increased the demand for their ISR platforms. Task Force 99 leverages both commercial and government technologies to create cost-effective and flexible drones capable of lower-altitude operations, providing an essential advantage.
Collaboration is also key, with 17 coalition partners involved and a fully embedded Royal Canadian Air Force member. Task Force 99 continues to integrate beyond-line-of-sight and mesh network capabilities to ensure persistent ISR coverage tailored to battlefield needs.
