Unmanned aerial systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, are changing the homeland security landscape. They allow operators to monitor remote locations and improve situational awareness, yet can also be used for illegal activities. The Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) is tackling both challenges by researching ways to protect against UAS-based threats and ways to make them more usable for the Homeland Security Enterprise. Through this multi-faceted approach, S&T is helping protect against nefarious UAS use and research operational use for homeland security officials.  

Current Programs and Projects

• 2017 Technical Assessment of Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems Technologies in Cities (TACTIC)
• Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems Legal Authorities
• Countering Unmanned Aircraft Systems
• Enabling Unmanned Aircraft Systems
• Modeling and Simulation Engine
• Response and Defeat Operations Support (REDOPS)
• Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Test Methods
• System Assessment and Validation for Emergency Responders (SAVER)

Available Technologies and Projects

The following technologies and projects are available either commercially or from S&T. Review each product for contact information.

• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 2400) Standard for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) used for Public Safety Operations

Additional Resources

The following resources will provide more information about some of our projects.

News

• News Release: DHS S&T Awards $200K to San Diego's Planck Aerosystems Inc. for Final Testing of Small Unmanned Aircraft System
• News Release: DHS to Engage Innovative Small Businesses on National Road Tour
• News Release: DHS Small Business Innovation Research Program Awards 1,000th Contract
• News Release: DHS S&T and Israeli Partners Announce Call for Proposals for Advanced Technologies in Homeland Security
• Snapshot: Working with NASA to Secure Drone Traffic
• Snapshot: S&T is Delivering Emerging Smart Cities Technologies to First Responders, Industry
• Snapshot: DHS S&T is at the Cutting Edge of sUAS Capability
• Snapshot: C-UAS in Urban Environments
• News Release: S&T Selects Boise Startup to Develop Smart sUAS
• Snapshot: Testing and Training with Drones

Publications

• First Responder Robotic Operations System Test (FRROST) Small UASs for Search and Rescue Focus Group Report