Department of Defense Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems: Background and Issues for Congress

U.S. policymakers have expressed growing concern over the military threats posed by unmanned aircraft systems (UAS, commonly known as drones). The size, speed, and altitude at which many drones fly, as well as the increasing ubiquity, flexibility, affordability, and sophistication of these aircraft, are widely seen as creating significant technical and operational challenges for the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD, or the Department). DOD is investing in defending U.S. forces and facilities against drones, as well as making changes to doctrine, organization, and training. These efforts include the development and deployment of a variety of defensive weapons, ranging from air defense systems to handheld jammers. Within DOD, the Army has been assigned primary responsibility for coordinating counter-UAS strategy, capabilities, and related requirements across the services. Congress may play an important role in this area, including by authorizing and appropriating funds for counter-UAS activities; maintaining or changing relevant authorities, policies, and organizations; and exercising oversight of DOD’s execution of its counter-UAS role. Some of the issues Congress may consider include DOD’s strategic direction for countering UAS; the type and severity of UAS threats; the level of coordination within the Department; DOD’s authorities to protect military installations within the United States; the establishment and organization of military forces for countering UAS; the costs of conducting counter-UAS operations; DOD’s ability to test and evaluate counter-UAS systems; and the technical maturity of proposed counter-UAS solutions.