In a major push to eliminate fragmented defense procurements, the Department of Homeland Security announced a five-year, $1.5 billion indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to bolster counter-unmanned aircraft systems across its components. Issued by the DHS Science and Technology Directorate, the vehicle replaces piecemeal acquisitions across individual agencies—including the Secret Service, Coast Guard, and Customs and Border Protection—with a unified pathway to detect, track, identify, and mitigate malicious drones through July 2031.
Work under the contract is divided into two operational tracks. The first track covers hardware, software, and ancillary services, capped at over $1 billion. Awards went to seven vendors: Dedrone Defense, D-Fend Solutions AD, Leidos, Fortem Technologies, CACI Inc.-Federal, BAE Systems, and EMS Defense Technologies. Fortem, serving as the sole small business prime in this track, partnered with Lockheed Martin and Microsoft to integrate radio frequency, electro-optical/infrared, and C4 assets.
The second track focuses on managed services and integration, valued at roughly $489 million. Designed to deliver counter-drone capability as a fully managed service alongside R&D support, awards were granted to Booz Allen Hamilton, General Dynamics Information Technology, Parsons, BAE Systems, Leidos, Anduril Industries, and Astrion Group. Under the contract’s technical mandates, fielded systems must detect target drones at a minimum distance of 2 kilometers, simultaneously track at least three aircraft, and neutralize threats at ranges of no less than 500 meters.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin highlighted that adopting a department-wide strategy enhances mission readiness, ensures consistent capabilities, and equips operators with proper field tools. Justin Napolitano, chief security officer for the DHS management directorate, emphasized that the contract resolves long-standing operational gaps by delivering reliable, interoperable solutions tailored for fixed-site defense, mobile security, and high-profile special events.
The multi-billion-dollar effort arrives as leadership acknowledges that defensive capabilities have lagged behind offensive drone investments. Under Secretary for Science and Technology Pedro Allende stressed that the contract establishes a technology refresh model to help the department keep pace with rapidly evolving aerial threats and operational demands.
The procurement also reflects expanded legal framework under the SAFER SKIES Act, passed as part of the fiscal 2026 NDAA, which broadened counter-drone mitigation powers for federal agencies and extended guidance to state and local law enforcement. Faced with heightened scrutiny following historical defensive gaps during major security events, DHS aims to use this standardized structure to rapidly deploy cutting-edge detection, takeover, and kinetic intercept capabilities across the nation.
