H.R.6846

DEFEND Act mandates annual assessments on terrorism threats from foreign adversaries using unmanned aircraft systems.

The DEFEND Act requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to annually assess terrorism threats from foreign adversaries, including terrorist organizations, using unmanned aircraft systems. Each assessment must analyze methods, trends, and technologies used by these adversaries, evaluate risks of replication by other adversaries or lone actors, and assess implications for homeland security. The assessments also cover the use of unmanned aircraft systems for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, and the use of low-cost, high-volume swarms.