The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced the launch of a new office dedicated to rapidly procuring and deploying drone and counter-drone technologies. The new DHS Program Executive Office for Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems will oversee strategic investments in drone and counter-drone technologies that can outpace evolving threats and tactics.
“The Program Executive Office has already begun its work and, this week, will finalize a USD115 million investment in counter-drone technologies that will be critical in securing America250 and 2026 FIFA World Cup venues, underscoring the historic responsibility of protecting events that commemorate 250 years of American independence and welcome the world for the largest World Cup in history,” said the DHS in a press release.
“Drones represent the new frontier of American air superiority. Under President Trump, we are entering a new era to defend our air superiority to protect our borders and the interior of the United States,” said Secretary Kristi Noem. “With the creation of the DHS Program Executive Office for Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems, President Trump continues his historic legacy in developing American dominance. This 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.”
In 2018 President Trump signed a lawthat gave DHS Components the authority to detect and mitigate drones. Since then, the Department has conducted over 1,500 missions to protect the United States from illicit drone activities..
Other key Department initiatives include:
- Industry Engagement: DHS recently requested proposals from the counter-drone industry for a new USD1.5 billion contract vehicle, enabling Components such as Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to quickly and strategically acquire advanced technologies needed to protect their officers and U.S. citizens.
- Expanded Authorities: In December, DHS authorities were broadened, authorizing all Department Components, state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement partners, and correctional agencies to fully combat drone threats.
- Rapid Grant Deployment: Last month, FEMA awarded USD250 million in grants for counter-drone capabilities to the 11 states hosting FIFA World Cup 2026 matches and the National Capital Region.
The Program Executive Office can be reached at drones@dhs.gov.
For more information
https://www.dhs.gov/news/2026/01/12/department-homeland-security-launches-new-office-advance-drone-and-counter-drone
(Image: Shutterstock)
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