SIA Applauds Inclusion of Counter-UAS Language in 2026 NDAA
The Security Industry Association’s (SIA) Drone Security Subcommittee announced that it strongly supports the inclusion of significant counter-uncrewed aircraft system provisions in the House-passed version of the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act.
In a statement, the trade group said lawmakers took “crucial and long-overdue steps” toward addressing growing threats from weaponized or misused drones targeting public safety and national security. The group said the measures are especially needed to help secure large gatherings such as the 2026 World Cup, 2028 Olympic Games and America 250 celebrations set to be held in the United States.
Key provisions in the House bill would expand legal authority for trained state and local law enforcement and correctional agencies to detect track identify and mitigate unmanned aircraft. The association said enactment of those provisions would mark a historic step forward in strengthening U.S. security.
The subcommittee’s advocacy work began with its founding in 2023. Its chair Brett Feddersen said passing the language as part of the defense authorization bill “will be a crucial expansion of counter-UAS authorities to further enhance the air domain awareness of state local tribal and territorial law enforcement.”
Feddersen added that the group looks forward to continued work with Congress and the federal government to implement the provisions and broaden appropriate authorities for security personnel protecting critical infrastructure.
The NDAA also includes the counter-UAS COUNTER Act backed by Rep. August Pfluger and Sen. Tom Cotton which clarifies authorities for Department of Defense personnel to rapidly detect and mitigate hostile drones protecting U.S. assets.
The association urged the Senate to pass the NDAA and send it to the president before the end of the year.