The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced it was launching a new office dedicated to drone and counter-drone technologies.
The new office, the DHS Program Executive Office for Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems will oversee strategic investments into drone and counter-drone technologies to outpace evolving threats and tactics. Officials said the office was a major step forward in “restoring American airspace sovereignty.”
“Drones represent the new frontier of American air superiority. Under President (Donald) Trump, we are entering a new era to defend our air superiority to protect our borders and the interior of the United States,” DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said. “This (office) will help us continue to secure the border and cripple the cartels, protect our infrastructure, and keep Americans safe as they attend festivities and events during a historic year of America’s 250th birthday and FIFA 2026.”
The office has already begun its work, finalizing a $115 million investment in counter-drone technologies it said will be crucial in securing both the 250th birthday and the 2026 FIFA World Cup venues.
Since 2018, legislation has provided DHS Components with the authority to detect and mitigate drones. The department has conducted more than 1,500 missions to protect the country from illicit drone activities. The new office will tackle the threat of hostile drones head-on and innovate ways drones can keep us safe from other threats on the ground, and equipping the department with the technology and expertise needed to keep the country safe, officials said.