Bill > S554

This bill aims to enhance defense cooperation between the United States and Israel through several key initiatives. The legislation establishes a United States-Israel Counter-Unmanned Systems Program, which will facilitate collaborative research, joint training exercises, and technology development to address emerging threats from unmanned systems. The bill extends and increases funding for existing anti-tunnel and counter-unmanned aerial systems cooperation programs, while also creating a new Emerging Defense Technology Capabilities Program to collaborate on cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics, and quantum technology. Additionally, the bill mandates the establishment of a Defense Innovation Unit office in Israel to counter Iranian technological developments and requires the Secretary of Defense to assess integrated air and missile defense capabilities in the Central Command region. The legislation authorizes $150 million annually for the counter-unmanned systems program and $50 million annually for emerging technology capabilities from 2026 to 2030. It also seeks to explore Israel's potential inclusion in the United States' national technology and industrial base, reflecting the close strategic partnership between the two countries and their shared goal of addressing evolving security challenges.

Government Affairs

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/554/all-info