DHS Established Counter-Drone Office in January
The department formed a dedicated executive office to centralize drone defense procurement and national airspace security.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Terrorism
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In January 2026, the Department of Homeland Security established a Program Executive Office for Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems. This new office aims to centralize department-wide efforts to secure national airspace against surveillance and disruption.
Why it matters
The initiative addresses the growing threat posed by adversaries using drones for surveillance, disruption, and kinetic attacks against critical infrastructure. By coordinating procurement and deployment, the department seeks to improve its ability to respond to these risks.
The Department of Homeland Security finalized a $115 million investment in January 2026 to procure counter-drone technologies. This follows the October 2025 launch of a $500 million FEMA grant program for drone detection and response.
The players
Steven Willoughby
He serves as the executive director of the Program Executive Office for Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
Leidos
This is a technology, engineering, and science solutions company that secured a position on the department's counter-drone contract.
BAE Systems
This is a global defense, aerospace, and security company that was awarded a position on the counter-drone technology contract.
The details
The newly formed office coordinates procurement across operational components while utilizing a C-UAS Purchasing Tool to scorecard technology based on mission requirements. The department has also secured positions for companies such as Leidos and BAE Systems on a $1.5 billion indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to supply necessary hardware.
Timeline
2018: DHS began conducting counter-drone missions.
October 2025: FEMA launched a $500 million grant program.
December 2025: The Safer Skies Act was signed into law.
January 2026: The Program Executive Office for UAS and C-UAS was established.
Legal Context
The creation of this office formalizes the department's response to drone threats following the passage of the Safer Skies Act in December 2025. This move aligns with broader federal efforts to standardize how agencies procure and deploy defensive measures against unmanned systems.
The centralization of these counter-drone efforts is intended to protect critical infrastructure, which may influence the security protocols and surveillance equipment deployed near major public hubs. Residents in the National Capital Region may see increased testing or demonstration of detection systems as the department iterates on its technology.
The takeaway
The federal shift toward a unified drone defense strategy signals that counter-drone capabilities are becoming a standard requirement for critical infrastructure protection. Future developments will likely focus on the integration of rapidly deployable systems as the technology continues to evolve.
What happens next
The Homeland Security Summit on November 10, 2026, will feature panels dedicated to discussing drone technology and current department efforts.
Further reading
Learn more about federal security initiatives in the Terrorism section.
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