Trump Administration Deepens Interagency Collaboration to Protect the Nation's Skies From Unmanned Threats

Agreement reflects whole-of-government approach to defending the homeland

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Department of War (DoW), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of Energy (DOE) and Department of Justice (DOJ) today announced an expanded interagency effort to further coordinate counter-unmanned aircraft systems operations. Through this whole-of-government approach, the agencies are strengthening collaboration to adapt to the latest drone threats while ensuring these technologies do not adversely affect aircraft operations or navigation equipment.

The memorandum of understanding, which was led by the White House Task Force to Restore American Airspace Sovereignty, further establishes an interagency process to evaluate counter-drone technologies and deploy them to protect aviation safety and advance national security.

This effort builds on existing collaboration between the FAA and federal partners, including implementing a temporary flight restriction along the southern U.S. border and completing a comprehensive safety assessment of DoW’s high-energy laser counter-drone system.

“We’re taking a proactive, whole-of-government approach to protecting American airspace from emerging 21st century threats,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “By bringing all our federal partners together, we can strengthen our ability to combat rogue drone threats and keep the flying public safe.”

“The safety of our National Airspace System is the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) top priority,” said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford. “This agreement builds on the work already underway with our federal partners and establishes a consistent process to ensure counter-drone technologies can be used without compromising aviation safety.”

“Under President Trump’s decisive leadership, we are eliminating bureaucratic silos to protect American skies from rogue and hostile unmanned threats. With this whole-of-government approach, the Department of War is rapidly fielding cutting-edge capabilities to safeguard our Southern Border and harden critical military installations,” said Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. “We have demonstrated on the Southern Border that next-generation counter-drone defenses, including high-energy lasers, can be deployed rapidly and safely alongside civilian aviation. By standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Secretary Duffy and our interagency partners, we are ensuring that American airspace remains sovereign, secure, and impenetrable.”

“Protecting American energy infrastructure is essential to our national security,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. “The Trump Administration is bringing together the best of American innovation and federal expertise to confront emerging threats head-on. By strengthening coordination across government, we can deploy cutting-edge technologies to protect our nation’s most vital assets while ensuring the safety and security of American airspace.”

“DHS will not stop building on the historic progress made to secure the southern border,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin. “This action will help counter cartel drone threats, protect our personnel, and strengthen security in the airspace above the border. President Trump promised to secure the border, and we are delivering on that promise through continued action and strong partnership with Department of Transportation and the Department of War.”

“This summer, the FBI arrested five men accused of planning to deploy drones armed with explosives in and around a White House event that attracted thousands of visitors,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The Department of Justice is working with partners across the federal government to address drone incursion threats, prosecute individuals who endanger the public, and ensure the safety and security of American airspace.”

“Under President Trump’s leadership, the FBI protected Americans from drone threats at the FIFA World Cup, working side by side with state and local officers trained at our first of its kind National Counter-UAS Training Center – seizing over 700 drones during the World Cup,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “This agreement strengthens the federal coordination behind that work, so new counter-drone tools are tested, deconflicted, and ready to deploy safely alongside civilian aviation.”

The details:

• The parties will work closely with the FAA and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) when developing new systems that detect, track, stop, or take control of dangerous or unauthorized drones. They will consider DOT, FAA, and FCC requirements and any testing data when researching, developing, testing, evaluating, or assessing those systems.
• The parties will collaborate on technical requirements, field testing, and data sharing to help safely introduce new counter-drone systems. The FAA may provide technical requirements, standards, and guidance for their safe introduction and the DOT may provide guidance for how those capabilities fit into the broader civilian transportation system.
• The FAA will quickly review and conduct safety risk assessments of proposed systems to make sure safety protocols and airspace deconfliction measures are adequate. The FAA will provide any technical data showing unsafe conditions, along with recommended ways to reduce risk. If the FAA believes additional risk mitigation is needed it can implement its own protective measures, including restricting airspace.