DEFEND Act Detecting and Evaluating Foreign Exploitation of Novel...
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to conduct annual assessments on terrorism threats to the United States relating to the malicious use of unmanned aircraft systems by covered foreign adversaries, including terrorist organizations, and for other purposes.
This bill, known as the DEFEND Act, aims to update the Homeland Security Act of 2002 by requiring the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to perform yearly assessments on threats to the United States from the harmful use of unmanned aircraft systems, or drones, by certain foreign adversaries. These adversaries could include terrorist groups. The goal is to better understand and address the risks posed by the misuse of drones by these entities.
The DEFEND Act would affect DHS and other relevant federal agencies by mandating them to evaluate and report on the potential dangers posed by drones used by foreign adversaries. This information could help in developing better security measures and policies to protect the nation from such threats. The bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process and has been referred to specific subcommittees for further review.
The bill was introduced on December 18, 2025, and has since been referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security and to two subcommittees: Transportation and Maritime Security, and Counterterrorism and Intelligence. It is currently under review by these committees and subcommittees.
