By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
- • The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has established a new Program Executive Office for Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems to oversee drone and counter-drone technology efforts.
- • The office is already operational and is finalizing plans to spend about $115 million on counter-drone capabilities.
- • DHS said the initiative will support efforts to detect and mitigate hostile or unauthorized UAS activity, including at major upcoming events.
- • The creation of the office aims to consolidate acquisition and deployment of UAS and counter-UAS systems across the department.
WASHINGTON — The Department of Homeland Security announced the formation of a new executive office dedicated to overseeing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operations and counter-UAS technology deployment across its components.
DHS said the newly created Program Executive Office for Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems has already begun operations and is finalizing a plan to allocate approximately $115 million toward counter-drone technologies.
Officials stated the office will guide strategic investments in detection, tracking, and mitigation systems designed to address unauthorized or hostile drone activities that could threaten infrastructure, public safety, and airspace security.
The department said the initiative supports preparations for major national and international events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and celebrations tied to the 250th anniversary of the United States.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem characterized the creation of the office as a step toward strengthening technology capabilities to protect borders and critical infrastructure while countering evolving threats from unmanned aircraft systems.
The office will also coordinate procurement and deployment of both drone and counter-drone systems for department components and partners, with further details on specific technologies and timelines expected as planning continues.