Dr. Sebastian Gorka, Deputy Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Counterterrorism at the National Security Council, used his opening address at the Counter-UAS Homeland Security USA 2026 conference to outline the United States’ ongoing efforts to strengthen domestic defenses against drone threats.
Speaking to attendees, Gorka framed the current approach as a move to reassert national sovereignty over U.S. airspace and accelerate counter-UAS policy development.
Gorka highlighted the executive order focused on restoring American airspace sovereignty signed in 2025, emphasizing that all aircraft operating in U.S. airspace are subject to national law and defense measures.
Among the initiatives highlighted was a $500 million counter-UAS grant program administered through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), intended to provide state and local authorities with detection and deterrence capabilities. Gorka said the funding was distributed rapidly, describing it as “the fastest non-disaster grant ever executed – just 25 days after the application deadline.”
He also cited the establishment of the FBI’s National Counter-UAS Training Center, which he said was designed to professionalize counter-drone operations and ensure partners understand how to respond to threats “lawfully, safely and decisively.”
Gorka also touched on the Safer Skies Act, which expanded authorities for state and local agencies, enabling them to employ counter-drone tools under their own powers and referenced the creation of Joint Interagency Task Force 401, established to integrate military, intelligence, law enforcement and homeland security efforts.
“The mission was simple. Integrate detection, decision and defeat,” he said, adding that the task force has provided legal clarity for commanders, supported procurement efforts and helped develop a counter-UAS marketplace.
Gorka noted the formation of a dedicated UAS and counter-UAS program office within the Department of Homeland Security which aims to align policy, technology, training and operations across the homeland security structure.
“For the first time, DHS had a central authority to align policy, technology, training and operations across the homeland enterprise,” he said. “No more fragmentation.”
“America does not wait to be tested. We deter. We prepare. And when necessary, we act,” he said.
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