WASHINGTON D.C., DC — Federal officials are investing $115 million into drone technologies, a “new frontier of American air superiority,” according to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

The funding will go toward the department’s new Executive Office for Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems, which Noem on Monday said is necessary because the technology is increasingly being exploited by “malicious actors.” The investment follows an executive order issued by President Donald Trump in June titled Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty.

Noem’s news release largely focused on how the investment would protect U.S. residents but did not go into details on what drone technology the department would develop and where it would be used.

“[The office] will help us continue to secure the border and cripple the cartels, protect our infrastructure, and keep Americans safe as they attend festivities and events during a historic year of America’s 250th birthday and FIFA 2026,” Noem said in a news release on Monday.

The announcement was made days after the U.S. Commerce Department dropped its plans to restrict Chinese-made drones, according to Reuters. The monthslong push began in September after officials said the ban was necessary to address issues surrounding national security and communication technology supply chains.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, under DHS, previously awarded $250 million to 11 states hosting matches for the FIFA World Cup 2026 to “secure U.S. skies,” according to a news release. The funding was part of a grant program to enhance state and local capabilities to combat unmanned aircraft systems.