Today, Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) introduced the Detecting and Evaluating Foreign Exploitation of Novel Drones (DEFEND) Act. 

This legislation would amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require annual terrorism threat assessments on the malicious use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) by foreign adversaries and terrorist organizations.

Across conflicts from Ukraine to the Middle East, drones have enabled precision strikes across vast distances and reshaped the nature of modern warfare.

In addition to surveillance, UAS pose a growing threat to critical infrastructure, civilian populations, and national security. They can deliver lethal payloads, including chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear weapons, and are increasingly used in smuggling operations, swarm tactics, and espionage.

Emerging capabilities such as AI-driven autonomous targeting, encrypted communications, and cyber-resilient systems make them harder to detect and defend against.

As Arizona’s sole representative on the House Homeland Security Committee, Rep. Crane seeks to address this critical intelligence gap. His legislation requires the Department of Homeland Security to submit classified annual reports to Congress, accompanied by public unclassified annexes, to ensure lawmakers receive updated insights into this dynamic threat. Each report must also be briefed to Congress within seven days of submission.

Currently, Rep. Crane’s legislation is cosponsored by key members of the House Committee on Homeland Security, including Chairman Andrew Garbarino (R‑NY), Task Force on Enhancing Security for Special Events Chairman Michael McCaul (R‑TX), Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology Chairman Dale Strong (R‑AL), and Subcommittee on Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection Chairman Andy Ogles (R-TN).

“As drone technology rapidly transforms the modern battlefield, Congress can’t afford to be in the dark on these evolving threats. Due to the widespread availability of drones, adaptable payloads, and remote capabilities, America must maintain a decisive tactical advantage,” said Rep. Crane. “The DEFEND Act ensures Congress has the knowledge necessary to effectively allocate resources to defend our homeland. I encourage my colleagues to back this approach to close this intelligence blind spot.”