FY2026 NDAA, Section 7335 ("Uncrewed systems capabilities report")

Summary

Requires the Commandant to submit a report within one year outlining a plan for establishing an uncrewed systems capabilities office within the Coast Guard.

Instructs the report to include a management strategy for the development and deployment of uncrewed systems, a service-wide coordination strategy, and contracting authorities for technology development.

Mandates a list of useful commercially available uncrewed technologies and a cross-agency collaboration plan with the Department of Defense and other agencies.

Calls for a strategy for obtaining and sharing data to improve maritime domain awareness.

Directs the development of a concept for a data system integrating AI and machine learning tools.

Obligates the Commandant, in coordination with various science and technology agencies, to brief relevant congressional committees on small uncrewed maritime systems annually for three years.

Requires the Commandant to report on establishing a Coast Guard office for uncrewed systems technologies.

SEC. 7335. UNCREWED SYSTEMS CAPABILITIES REPORT. (a) In General.-- (1) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report that outlines a plan for establishing an uncrewed systems capabilities office within the Coast Guard responsible for the acquisition and development of uncrewed system and counter- uncrewed system technologies and to expand the capabilities of the Coast Guard with respect to such technologies.

Requires report to include strategies for integrating AI, uncrewed system technologies, and inter-agency collaboration.

(2) Contents.--The report required under paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A) A management strategy for the acquisition, development, and deployment of uncrewed system and counter-uncrewed system technologies. (B) A service-wide coordination strategy to synchronize and integrate efforts across the Coast Guard in order to-- (i) support the primary duties of the Coast Guard pursuant to section 102 of title 14, United States Code; and (ii) pursue expanded research, development, testing, and evaluation opportunities and funding to expand and accelerate identification and transition of uncrewed system and counter-uncrewed system technologies. (C) The identification of contracting and acquisition authorities needed to expedite the development and deployment of uncrewed system and counter-uncrewed system technologies. (D) A detailed list of commercially available uncrewed system and counter-uncrewed system technologies with capabilities determined to be useful for the Coast Guard. (E) A cross-agency collaboration plan to engage with the Department of Defense and other relevant agencies to identify common requirements and opportunities to partner in acquiring, contracting, and sustaining uncrewed system and counter- uncrewed system capabilities. (F) Opportunities to obtain and share uncrewed system data from government and commercial sources to improve maritime domain awareness. (G) The development of a concept of operations for a data system that supports and integrates uncrewed system and counter-uncrewed system technologies with key enablers, including enterprise communications networks, data storage and management, artificial intelligence and machine learning tools, and information sharing and dissemination capabilities.

Requires annual briefings for three years on small uncrewed maritime systems' operation and governance.

(b) Briefings.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for a period of 3 years, the Commandant, in coordination with the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Executive Director of the Office of Naval Research, the Director of the National Science Foundation, and the Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, shall brief the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, on the future operation and governance of small uncrewed maritime systems.

Defines "counter-uncrewed system" and "uncrewed system," including relevant legislative references from title 49, U.S. Code.

(c) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Counter-uncrewed system.--The term ``counter-uncrewed system''-- (A) means a system or device capable of lawfully and safely disabling, disrupting, or seizing control of an uncrewed system; and (B) includes a counter-UAS system (as such term is defined in section 44801 of title 49, United States Code). (2) Uncrewed system.--The term ``uncrewed system''-- (A) means an uncrewed surface, undersea, or aircraft system and associated elements (including communication links and the components that control the uncrewed system) that are required for the operator to operate the system safely and efficiently; and (B) includes an unmanned aircraft system (as such term is defined in section 44801 of title 49, United States Code).