U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Calls for Cheaper Counter-Drone Technology
At an industry forum in Maryland, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin urged companies to rethink counter-drone systems and make them affordable for civilian sites. He said current solutions may not match emerging threats.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin called on November 9 for a new approach to counter-drone security, speaking at MGM National Harbor in Maryland. He addressed the Drone Security Industry and SLTT Grant Forum, where SLTT stands for state, local, tribal and territorial agencies. Mullin stressed that protection must extend beyond military and federal facilities, and that solutions must be affordable.
The forum was hosted by the Commercial Drone Alliance, DRONERESPONDERS and the White House Task Force on the 2028 Summer Olympics. It brought together senior federal officials, public safety leaders and drone industry representatives. In a conversation with Commercial Drone Alliance CEO Lisa Ellman, Mullin highlighted three challenges: the changing nature of drone threats, the need to protect civilian infrastructure, and the high cost of existing counter-drone solutions.
Lessons from Ukraine
Mullin pointed to the war in Ukraine, where inexpensive drones have exposed the limits of traditional defenses. He cited the cost imbalance of using a $40,000 missile against a drone that costs $20, and argued that security planning must account for threats from above, not only physical barriers on the ground. He also distinguished between careless drone operators and people deliberately trying to cause harm, saying that what is used now will not work in the future.
Stadiums, universities and local agencies
Mullin described stadiums and major public events as especially difficult for counter-drone work. Drawing on the FIFA World Cup, he said stadiums were not designed for counter-UAS equipment and that finding locations with clear lines of sight can be hard. He mentioned small autonomous interceptor drones, which he called “killer bees,” that could respond within seconds.
He argued the market will reach well beyond military customers to data centers, universities and anywhere with a fence. Mullin repeatedly stressed affordability and suggested leasing so SLTT agencies could avoid large upfront purchases. He also spoke of the need for local agencies to have training, equipment and legal authority, noting that current federal law limits who can use certain counter-drone mitigation technologies.
