DHS Launches New Office to Accelerate Drone and Counter-Drone Capabilities
What to Know
- The new DHS office focuses on rapid procurement and deployment of drone and counter-drone technologies to enhance airspace security.
- A $115 million investment will fund counter-drone systems to protect major events like the FIFA World Cup and America250 celebrations.
- The initiative aims to counter hostile drone activities while supporting lawful and defensive uses of unmanned aircraft across DHS components.
WASHINGTON -- The Department of Homeland Security announced the creation of a new office focused on rapidly procuring and deploying drone and counter-drone technologies, a move DHS said is aimed at strengthening U.S. airspace security ahead of major national and international events.
The new Program Executive Office for Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems will oversee strategic investments intended to address the growing use of drones by malicious actors while expanding lawful and defensive uses of unmanned aircraft across DHS components, according to a news release.
The office has already begun operations and is expected to finalize a $115 million investment in counter-drone technologies this week. DHS said those capabilities will be used to help secure America250 events marking the nation’s 250th anniversary and venues associated with the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In a statement, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said the new office reflects an administration priority to counter emerging aerial threats and protect borders, infrastructure and large-scale public events. She said the initiative is designed to give the department the technology and expertise needed to address hostile drone activity while supporting broader homeland security missions.
DHS said Congress first granted the department authority in 2018 to detect and mitigate credible drone threats. Since then, DHS components have conducted more than 1,500 missions related to illicit drone activity. The new program executive office will consolidate oversight of drone-related investments and accelerate the deployment of counter-unmanned aircraft systems across the department.
The announcement builds on several recent DHS initiatives related to drone threats. According to the department, DHS has sought industry proposals for a $1.5 billion contract vehicle to allow components such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to acquire counter-drone technologies more quickly. DHS also said its authorities were expanded in December to include all department components, as well as state, local, tribal and territorial law enforcement partners and correctional agencies.
In addition, DHS said the Federal Emergency Management Agency recently awarded $250 million in counter-drone grants to the 11 states hosting FIFA World Cup matches and to the National Capital Region, completing what the department described as its fastest non-disaster grant award process.
The department said the new office is intended to support operational readiness for major events while strengthening long-term coordination with federal, state and local law enforcement partners facing increasing drone-related threats.