DHS Establishes New Office to Bolster Drone and Counter-Drone Capabilities

DHS Launches New Drone Technology Office

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officially announced on Monday, January 12, 2026, the establishment of a new entity dedicated to advancing drone and counter-drone technologies. Named the Program Executive Office for Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (PEO UAS/CUAS), this office marks a significant step in the United States' efforts to secure its airspace and address evolving threats posed by unmanned aircraft.

Mission and Strategic Investments

The primary objective of the PEO UAS/CUAS is to rapidly procure and deploy cutting-edge drone and counter-drone technologies. This strategic move is intended to enhance American airspace sovereignty, a stated priority for the current administration. The office will oversee investments aimed at outpacing evolving threats and tactics from malicious actors who exploit drones.

Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, '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.' She added that the 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 PEO UAS/CUAS is finalizing a substantial $115 million investment in counter-drone technologies. These funds are earmarked for securing high-profile events, including the America250 celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of American independence and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Addressing the Evolving Threat Landscape

The establishment of this office comes in response to the increasing use of drones for illicit activities. Drones have been utilized for cross-border drug trafficking by cartels, contraband delivery to correctional facilities, and unauthorized operations near airports and public venues.

The DHS has a history of addressing drone threats, having conducted over 1,500 missions to counter illicit drone activities since 2018. This new office builds upon expanded authorities granted in December 2025, which allow all DHS components, along with state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement partners, and correctional agencies, to fully combat drone threats.

Further supporting these efforts, the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act extended DHS and Department of Justice counter-drone authorities until 2031. Other recent initiatives include:

• A $1.5 billion contract vehicle for which DHS has requested proposals from the counter-drone industry.
• $250 million in grants awarded by FEMA last month to the 11 states hosting FIFA World Cup 2026 matches and the National Capital Region for counter-drone capabilities.

Conclusion

The creation of the PEO UAS/CUAS underscores the United States' commitment to maintaining air superiority and safeguarding national security against the growing complexities of drone technology. By centralizing procurement and deployment, the DHS aims to ensure that federal, state, and local agencies are equipped with the necessary tools to protect critical infrastructure, secure borders, and ensure public safety at major events across the nation.