DHS S&T and University of North Dakota to Examine Unmanned Aerial Systems and Vehicles

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) and the University of North Dakota (UND) announced today they have signed a three-year cooperative research and development agreement to both examine the beneficial use of unmanned aerial systems/ unmanned aerial vehicles (UAS/UAV) and to mitigate their use for nefarious purposes.

“Through this agreement, we will develop a better understanding of the capabilities and vulnerabilities of UAS/UAVs and spur the development of technologies to counter the potential threats based upon their use,” said DHS Under Secretary for Science and Technology Dr. Reginald Brothers. “A better understanding will spur innovative ideas and approaches to reduce this new threat facing our homeland.”

Research between S&T and UND will examine the homeland security implications of commercial operations of UASs, including potentially beneficial uses and the security challenges they pose.   Experiments conducted in operating and countering UASs should allow for the development of new training methods and best practices in addressing the UAS threat and will allow for the investigation and analysis of the current policies, procedures, and regulations established by state and local jurisdictions.

For more information go to www.dhs.gov/science-and-technology