13. January 2026
Dhs Launches Bold New Front In Drone War To Protect American Skies
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has launched a new office focused on advancing drone and counter-drone technologies, marking a significant step towards strengthening American airspace sovereignty. This move comes as drones continue to transform industries across the country, while also being increasingly used by malicious actors.
The new Program Executive Office for Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) will oversee strategic investments in technologies designed to stay ahead of evolving drone threats and tactics. The office has already begun operations and is expected to finalize a $115 million investment in counter-drone systems this week, which will be used to secure major national and international events, including the America250 celebrations and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized that drones now represent a new frontier in air superiority, and that the initiative reflects a renewed focus on defending U.S. borders, infrastructure, and public safety. She noted that the new office will help protect Americans at large public events while strengthening efforts to counter criminal and cartel activity.
The growing threat posed by malicious actors using drones for various purposes has become increasingly sophisticated, with some groups employing them to disrupt critical infrastructure, such as power grids and transportation systems. The White House has prioritized protection against drone threats since 2018, when DHS was granted authority to detect and mitigate hostile drones.
Since then, DHS has conducted over 1,500 missions addressing illicit drone activity. The new Program Executive Office will build on this foundation, accelerating innovation while also expanding the use of drones for defensive and public safety missions. Key initiatives include a proposed $1.5 billion counter-drone contract vehicle to speed technology acquisition across DHS agencies, expanded counter-UAS authorities for federal and state partners, and $250 million in FEMA grants awarded to states hosting the 2026 World Cup.
The U.S. Army has experimented with crashing an explosive-laden drone into an opposing airborne unit, highlighting the growing complexity of drone threats. In response, DHS is investing in advanced counter-drone technologies, including wearable models like Project Flytrap and truck-mounted units. DHS plans to publish a solicitation for Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) on September 8, with expected awards announced early next year.
The launch of this new office comes at a time when DHS has been facing criticism for its enforcement of immigration policies. The agency’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) division has been conducting raids on suspected undocumented immigrants, leading to nationwide protests. DHS Secretary Noem has responded by calling on the U.S. military to arrest protesters, which is prohibited under federal law.
The use of drones in this context has raised concerns among lawmakers and civil rights groups. Some have introduced legislation to ban the use of drones to monitor civilians, highlighting the need for greater transparency and oversight of drone usage. In response to these concerns, DHS has emphasized its commitment to protecting American airspace and public safety while also ensuring that its counter-drone efforts are transparent and accountable.
The new Program Executive Office will be responsible for overseeing these efforts, working closely with federal, state, and local partners to develop and deploy advanced counter-drone technologies. As drones continue to evolve and become more sophisticated, it is essential that DHS and other agencies remain at the forefront of this technology, working to stay ahead of emerging threats and protect American public safety.
The launch of the new Program Executive Office marks a significant step towards strengthening American airspace sovereignty. With its focus on advancing drone and counter-drone technologies, DHS is taking a proactive approach to addressing the growing threat posed by malicious actors using drones for various purposes. As the technology continues to evolve, it will be crucial for DHS and other agencies to remain vigilant and proactive in protecting American public safety while ensuring that its counter-drone efforts are transparent and accountable.
The need for ongoing investment in drone detection and mitigation capabilities cannot be overstated. With the potential for malicious actors to use drones to disrupt critical infrastructure, it is essential that DHS and other agencies continue to invest in these technologies. The new Program Executive Office will play a critical role in this effort, working to stay ahead of emerging threats and protect American public safety.