Homeland Security Establishes Drone Security Office with $115M Funding
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) unveiled a significant expansion of federal counter-drone capabilities on January 12, 2026. This development marks the establishment of the new Program Executive Office for Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
The newly formed office, already operational, is finalizing a $115 million investment in counter-drone technologies. These technologies are specifically designed to secure the 2026 FIFA World Cup venues and the 250th anniversary celebrations of America. This investment signifies the federal government’s most ambitious domestic counter-drone initiative to date.
“Drones represent the new frontier of American air superiority,” stated Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The office will manage strategic investments in technologies designed to detect, track, and neutralize hostile drones posing threats to public safety, critical infrastructure, and major events.
The office’s launch follows swift action by FEMA, which executed the quickest non-disaster grant award in department history. It distributed $250 million in counter-drone grants to the 11 states hosting World Cup matches. Since 2018, DHS has conducted over 1,500 counter-drone missions. The new permanent office will coordinate future operations as drone threats from criminal organizations, unauthorized surveillance, and other malicious actors continue to evolve.
Source: Department of Homeland Security