United States-Israel program on countering unmanned systems

(a) Findings Congress makes the following findings: (1) The increasing use of unmanned systems by state and nonstate actors poses a significant threat to the national security of the United States and its allies, including Israel. (2) Cooperation in developing and deploying counter-unmanned systems technology will enhance mutual security and strengthen bilateral defense capabilities. (3) Israel is a global leader in the development of advanced counter-unmanned systems technologies, and a cooperative program will leverage shared expertise and resources to address evolving threats. (b) Establishment (1) In general The Secretary of Defense, with the concurrence of the Minister of Defense of Israel, shall establish a cooperative program between the United States and Israel, to be known as the United States-Israel Counter-Unmanned Systems Program, for the purpose of enhancing cooperation between the United States and Israel for purposes of— (A) developing, testing, evaluating, and deploying advanced technologies for countering unmanned systems that threaten the United States and Israel; (B) sharing technical expertise and data on emerging unmanned systems and related threats; (C) conducting joint research and development initiatives; and (D) deploying and integrating counter-unmanned systems for mutual defense. (2) Activities The program established under this subsection shall include the following: (A) Collaborative research initiatives involving government, private sector, and academic institutions in the United States and Israel, conducted in a manner that protects sensitive technology and information and the national security interests of the United States and Israel. (B) Joint training exercises and information-sharing mechanisms to enhance operational readiness of personnel of the United States and of Israel. (C) The establishment, within the Department of Defense, of a United States-Israel Counter-Unmanned Systems Program Office to oversee program execution and coordination. (D) The procurement and deployment of counter-unmanned systems. (c) Annual report (1) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives a report on the implementation of the program established under this section. (2) Elements Each report required by paragraph (1) shall include, for the preceding year— (A) a description of activities conducted under the program; (B) an assessment of progress made in addressing unmanned systems threats and requirements; (C) an assessment of the program’s collaboration with other relevant United States Government programs, including the United States-Israel Operations-Technology Working Group and Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems program run by the Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate; and (D) recommendations for future program activities and funding. (3) Form Each report submitted under paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form but may include a classified annex as necessary to protect sensitive information. (d) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated $150,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to carry out the program under this section. (e) Rule of construction Nothing in this section shall be construed to alter or supersede agreements or obligations between the United States and Israel in existence on the date of the enactment of this Act.