Guard the Skies Act Would Expand National Guard Counter-Drone Authority

Senator Mike Lee introduced the Guard the Skies Act on November 13, 2026, proposing to authorize the National Guard to counter threats from unmanned aerial systems while remaining under the direction and control of state governors. The legislation would permit operations including jamming, intercepting, and disabling drones. Rep. Michael McCaul has introduced the legislation in the House of Representatives. The proposal is a policy signal rather than a procurement announcement: it names no funding, solicitation, contract vehicle, or acquisition timeline.

The bill addresses an authority gap described in the source release. The National Guard is currently not authorized to engage in jamming, intercepting, or downing drone threats. The release says the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act included the Safer Skies Act, which devolved authority for certain counter-UAS activities to state and local law enforcement, but did not provide the National Guard with corresponding authority. It also says federal agencies with counter-UAS authority are spread too thin, while state and local law enforcement lack resources and capacity to cover all major threats.

If enacted and implemented, the proposed authority could shape future requirements for counter-UAS systems, operator training, mission planning, and operational support. The bill’s state-governor direction is important for vendors assessing potential users and deployment models: capabilities may need to support state-level missions and coordination with local authorities, rather than only federal operations. The source describes the Guard as a potential force multiplier, able to partner with local authorities and support state- and national-level coordination. These are prospective implications, not evidence of a funded buying program or a requirement for any specific technology.

Senator Lee said, “Drones in the wrong hands pose a significant threat to homeland security, and America cannot afford to assume that such an attack will never happen.” He cited concerts, rallies, races, and sports as events that should be secured, including the 2034 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Association for Uncrewed Vehicles International (AUVSI) welcomed the bill. Its interim president and CEO, Heather Lee, said the National Guard could provide a “trained, locally rooted, rapidly deployable force” and noted that AUVSI looks forward to working with Congress and its members to advance the bill. For contractors, the near-term task is to monitor legislative progress and assess capability alignment; any procurement opportunity would depend on enactment, implementation decisions, and subsequent funding.

• Sen. Mike Lee introduced the Guard the Skies Act on November 13, 2026; Rep. Michael McCaul introduced it in the House.
• The proposal would authorize National Guard counter-UAS operations under state governors’ direction, including jamming, interception, and disabling drones.
• The release says the National Guard currently lacks authority to jam, intercept, or down drone threats.
• The FY26 NDAA included the Safer Skies Act, which provided state and local law enforcement authority for certain C-UAS activities, according to the source.
• The source identifies capacity constraints among federal agencies and state and local law enforcement as part of the rationale for the proposal.
• Potential future requirements could include counter-UAS equipment, training, and operational support for Guard missions and coordination with local authorities.
• No funding, solicitation, contract, or active procurement is identified; market opportunities remain contingent on legislative progress and implementation.
• Senator Lee cited protection for public gatherings and major events, including the 2034 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah.
• AUVSI endorsed the proposal and said its members are building counter-UAS capabilities; its support does not establish a government award or procurement commitment.